1. What is a BTU to Tons Conversion Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts cooling capacity from British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h) to tons of refrigeration.

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and engineers quickly convert between these common units of cooling capacity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Tons} \) — Tons of refrigeration
• \( \text{BTU} \) — British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h)

Explanation: One ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU per hour, based on the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

3. Importance of BTU to Tons Conversion

Details: This conversion is essential for sizing air conditioning systems, comparing cooling capacities, and ensuring proper equipment selection.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the BTU value (must be > 0) and the calculator will automatically compute the equivalent tons of cooling.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 12,000?
A: This comes from the original definition of a ton of refrigeration - the amount of heat needed to melt one ton (2000 lbs) of ice in 24 hours.

Q2: What's the difference between BTU and tons?
A: Both measure cooling capacity, but tons are commonly used for larger systems while BTU/h is used for smaller units.

Q3: How many BTU are in 1 ton?
A: 1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h. This is a standard conversion in the HVAC industry.

Q4: Can I convert tons back to BTU?
A: Yes, simply multiply tons by 12,000 to get BTU/h.

Q5: Is this calculator accurate for all cooling systems?
A: Yes, the conversion is standard, but actual system performance depends on many other factors.