Frequently Asked Questions — Ton of Refrigeration to BTU/hr
Question: How many BTU/hr in 1 ton of refrigeration?
Answer: Exactly 12,000 BTU/hr. Multiply tons by 12,000 to get BTU per hour.
Question: How do I convert tons to BTU/hr?
Answer: Multiply the ton value by 12,000. For example, 3 tons = 3 × 12,000 = 36,000 BTU/hr.
Question: What is a 2-ton air conditioner in BTU/hr?
Answer: 2 × 12,000 = 24,000 BTU/hr. A 2-ton unit is suitable for spaces of about 900–1,200 sq ft.
Question: What is a 3-ton air conditioner in BTU/hr?
Answer: 3 × 12,000 = 36,000 BTU/hr. A 3-ton unit typically cools 1,500–2,000 sq ft.
Question: Why is air conditioning measured in tons?
Answer: The unit dates from when ice was used for cooling. A "ton of refrigeration" is the power to melt one short ton of ice per day = 12,000 BTU/hr. The term stuck even after mechanical cooling replaced ice.