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The conversion from BTU/h (British Thermal Units per hour) to tons of refrigeration is a standard calculation in HVAC and refrigeration engineering. One ton of refrigeration is defined as the cooling capacity that can freeze one ton of water at 0°C in 24 hours, equivalent to 12,000 BTU/h.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts cooling capacity from BTU/h to tons of refrigeration, which is the standard unit used in the HVAC industry for sizing air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Details: Accurate conversion between BTU/h and tons is essential for proper sizing of HVAC equipment, energy efficiency calculations, and compliance with building codes and standards in the refrigeration industry.
Tips: Enter the BTU/h value in the input field. The value must be positive and greater than zero. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent tons of refrigeration.
Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU/h equal to one ton?
A: This originates from the amount of heat required to melt one ton (2000 pounds) of ice in 24 hours, which equals 288,000 BTU per day or 12,000 BTU per hour.
Q2: What are typical tonnage values for residential AC units?
A: Residential air conditioners typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons, with 2-3 tons being common for average-sized homes.
Q3: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact since 1 ton of refrigeration is defined as exactly 12,000 BTU/h.
Q4: Can this calculator be used for heat pumps?
A: Yes, the same conversion applies to both cooling and heating capacities when expressed in tons for HVAC equipment.
Q5: What's the difference between refrigeration tons and air conditioning tons?
A: They use the same unit of measurement - both refer to 12,000 BTU/h of heat removal capacity.