1. What is Tons of Cooling?

A "ton" of cooling is a unit of power that represents the heat removal capacity of air conditioning systems. One ton equals 12,000 BTU/h, which is the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

2. How Does the Conversion Work?

The conversion formula is simple:

Where:

• \( Tons \) — Cooling capacity in tons
• \( BTU/h \) — British Thermal Units per hour

Explanation: This conversion allows HVAC professionals to translate between the energy measurement (BTU/h) and the traditional capacity measurement (tons).

3. Importance of HVAC Sizing

Details: Proper sizing of HVAC equipment is critical for energy efficiency and comfort. Oversized units short-cycle, while undersized units can't maintain temperature.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU/h rating of your air conditioning equipment to find its equivalent in tons. Residential systems typically range from 1-5 tons.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU/h equal to 1 ton?
A: It originates from the amount of heat needed to melt one ton (2000 lbs) of ice in 24 hours (288,000 BTU/24h = 12,000 BTU/h).

Q2: What's a typical tonnage for a house?
A: Average homes need 1 ton per 400-600 sq ft, but this varies by climate, insulation, and other factors.

Q3: Can I use this for heat pumps?
A: Yes, the conversion works the same for both cooling and heating capacities.

Q4: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/h?
A: BTU measures energy, while BTU/h measures power (energy per time). HVAC ratings use BTU/h.

Q5: How precise is this conversion?
A: The 12,000 BTU/h = 1 ton conversion is exact by definition.