How to convert BTU per hour to tons of refrigeration
Formula: TR = BTU/h ÷ 12,000
Worked example: 12,000 BTU/h → 12,000 ÷ 12,000 = 1 TR
One ton of refrigeration is exactly 12,000 BTU per hour, so a 2.5-ton system is a 30,000 BTU/h system.
BTU per hour to tons of refrigeration conversion chart
| BTU per hour (BTU/h) | Tons of refrigeration (TR) |
|---|---|
| 5,000 BTU/h | 0.416667 TR |
| 6,000 BTU/h | 0.5 TR |
| 8,000 BTU/h | 0.666667 TR |
| 9,000 BTU/h | 0.75 TR |
| 10,000 BTU/h | 0.833333 TR |
| 12,000 BTU/h | 1 TR |
| 15,000 BTU/h | 1.25 TR |
| 18,000 BTU/h | 1.5 TR |
| 24,000 BTU/h | 2 TR |
| 30,000 BTU/h | 2.5 TR |
| 36,000 BTU/h | 3 TR |
| 48,000 BTU/h | 4 TR |
| 60,000 BTU/h | 5 TR |
What is one BTU per hour?
BTU per hour is the US unit for heating and cooling capacity, about 0.293 watt. Window air conditioners range from 5,000 to 15,000 BTU/h, and the label often drops the per hour and simply says BTU.
What is a ton of refrigeration?
A ton of refrigeration is 12,000 BTU per hour, about 3.517 kW of cooling. It comes from the heat needed to melt one short ton of ice in a day. Central air systems for homes are sold in sizes of 1.5 to 5 tons.