1. What is BTU and Tonnage?

BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a unit of heat energy, while tonnage (in this context) refers to cooling capacity. One ton of cooling capacity equals 12,000 BTU per hour, originating from the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these simple conversion formulas:

Where:

• 1 Ton = 12,000 BTU/hour
• 1 BTU = 1/12,000 Tons

Explanation: These formulas provide direct conversion between cooling capacity measurements used in HVAC systems.

3. Importance of BTU-Ton Conversion

Details: Understanding this conversion is crucial for HVAC professionals when sizing air conditioning systems, comparing equipment specifications, and ensuring proper system capacity for buildings.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the value you want to convert, select the conversion direction (BTU to Tons or Tons to BTU), and click Calculate. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How many BTU is a 2.5 ton AC unit?
A: A 2.5 ton AC unit has 30,000 BTU/hour capacity (2.5 × 12,000).

Q3: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/hour?
A: In HVAC, BTU typically refers to BTU per hour (BTU/h), the rate of heat transfer. The calculator assumes this standard usage.

Q4: Are there different ton measurements?
A: Yes, ensure you're using refrigeration tons (12,000 BTU/h) not short tons (2000 lbs) or other measurements.

Q5: How precise is this conversion?
A: The 12,000 BTU/ton ratio is standard in North America, though some countries may use slightly different values.