1. What is BTU to Ton Conversion?

The BTU to ton conversion is used in air conditioning systems to convert British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/hr) to cooling tons. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/hr, which represents the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

Where:

• \( BTU/hr \) — British Thermal Units per hour
• \( 12000 \) — Conversion factor (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr)
• \( Tons \) — Air conditioning tonnage

Explanation: This conversion helps determine the appropriate air conditioning capacity needed for a space based on its cooling requirements.

3. Importance of AC Tonnage Calculation

Details: Proper AC tonnage calculation is crucial for energy efficiency, comfort, and system longevity. Undersized units struggle to cool, while oversized units short-cycle, reducing efficiency and humidity control.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter BTU/hr value in the input field. The value must be positive. The calculator will automatically convert to tons of cooling capacity.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU/hr equal to 1 ton?
A: This originates from the amount of heat required to melt one ton (2000 pounds) of ice in 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU per hour.

Q2: What are common residential AC tonnage sizes?
A: Common sizes range from 1.5 tons (18,000 BTU) to 5 tons (60,000 BTU) for most homes, depending on square footage and climate.

Q3: How many BTU per square foot are needed?
A: Typically 20 BTU per square foot, but this varies based on climate, insulation, ceiling height, and other factors.

Q4: Can I use this for heat pump calculations?
A: Yes, the same conversion applies to heat pump cooling capacity calculations.

Q5: What happens if I choose the wrong tonnage?
A: Undersized units run constantly, oversized units cycle too frequently, both leading to poor efficiency, comfort issues, and reduced equipment life.