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BTU to Tons Conversion Formula:
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The BTU to Ton AC conversion calculates air conditioning tonnage from British Thermal Units per hour. One ton of cooling capacity equals 12,000 BTU/h, which represents the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: This simple division converts BTU per hour measurements to standard air conditioning tonnage units used in HVAC industry.
Details: Proper AC tonnage calculation is essential for selecting correctly sized air conditioning systems. Oversized units cycle too frequently, while undersized units cannot maintain comfortable temperatures efficiently.
Tips: Enter BTU per hour value in the input field. The value must be greater than zero. The calculator will automatically convert to tons with four decimal precision.
Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU/h equal to one ton?
A: This conversion comes from the amount of heat absorption required to melt one ton (2000 pounds) of ice in 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU per hour.
Q2: What is a typical tonnage for residential AC units?
A: Residential units typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons, with average homes requiring 2-4 tons depending on square footage, insulation, and climate.
Q3: How many BTU/h are in 1 ton of cooling?
A: Exactly 12,000 BTU/h equals one ton of cooling capacity in air conditioning systems.
Q4: Can I use this for heating systems too?
A: While the conversion works mathematically, tonnage is primarily used for cooling capacity. Heating systems are typically rated in BTU/h directly.
Q5: What factors affect AC tonnage requirements?
A: Square footage, ceiling height, insulation quality, window area, climate zone, number of occupants, and heat-generating appliances all affect tonnage requirements.