How do We Translate BTUs to Tons of Air Conditioning or Cooling Capacity?
One ton of air conditioning capacity produces the same cooling ability as melting one ton of ice in 24 hours. Sketch courtesy of Carson Dunlop 288,000 BTUs / 24 hours = 1 Ton of cooling 12,000 BTUs / hour = a 1-ton air conditioning system Or if we know the total number of BTUs at which an air conditioning system is rated, since this number is usually given in BTUH or BTUs / hour, we just divide that number by 12,000 to get the number of tons of cooling capacity. A 36,000 BTUh air conditioner is providing 36,000 / 12,000 or 3 Tons of cooling capability per hour. If we know the number of tons of cooling capacity that an air conditioning system is rated for, we just multiply the number of air conditioning capacity in Tons by 12,000 to get the number of BTUs of cooling capacity of the system. A 3-ton air conditioner is providing 3 x 12,0000 or 36,000 BTUs of cooling capability per hour. To assist in choosing the right sized air conditioner, we provide a typical air conditioner chart at AIR
