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HVAC BTU to Tons Conversion:
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The HVAC BTU to Tons conversion is used to determine air conditioning capacity. One ton of cooling capacity equals 12,000 BTU per hour, which represents the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts cooling capacity from BTU per hour to tons, which is the standard unit for sizing residential and commercial air conditioning systems.
Details: Proper AC tonnage calculation is essential for selecting the right-sized air conditioning system. Oversized units cycle too frequently, reducing efficiency and dehumidification, while undersized units cannot maintain comfortable temperatures.
Tips: Enter the BTU/h value from your air conditioner specifications or load calculation. The calculator will instantly convert it to tons for proper system sizing and comparison.
Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU equal to one ton?
A: This conversion comes from the amount of heat required to melt one ton (2,000 pounds) of ice in 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU per hour.
Q2: What is a typical tonnage for residential AC?
A: Typical residential systems range from 1.5 to 5 tons, with most homes requiring 2-4 tons depending on square footage, insulation, and climate.
Q3: How do I calculate the BTU needed for my space?
A: A professional load calculation considers square footage, ceiling height, insulation, windows, climate, and occupancy. Rule of thumb: 20 BTU per square foot.
Q4: What's the difference between BTU and tons?
A: BTU measures heat energy, while tons measure cooling capacity. One ton equals 12,000 BTU/hour of cooling capacity.
Q5: Can I use this for heat pumps?
A: Yes, this conversion applies to both air conditioning and heat pump cooling capacities, as both are measured in the same units.