How to convert tons of refrigeration to BTU per hour
Formula: BTU/h = TR × 12,000
Worked example: 2 TR → 2 × 12,000 = 24,000 BTU/h
One ton of refrigeration is exactly 12,000 BTU per hour, so a 2.5-ton system is a 30,000 BTU/h system.
Tons of refrigeration to BTU per hour conversion chart
| Tons of refrigeration (TR) | BTU per hour (BTU/h) |
|---|---|
| 1 TR | 12,000 BTU/h |
| 2 TR | 24,000 BTU/h |
| 3 TR | 36,000 BTU/h |
| 4 TR | 48,000 BTU/h |
| 5 TR | 60,000 BTU/h |
| 6 TR | 72,000 BTU/h |
| 7 TR | 84,000 BTU/h |
| 8 TR | 96,000 BTU/h |
| 9 TR | 108,000 BTU/h |
| 10 TR | 120,000 BTU/h |
| 12 TR | 144,000 BTU/h |
| 15 TR | 180,000 BTU/h |
| 20 TR | 240,000 BTU/h |
| 25 TR | 300,000 BTU/h |
| 30 TR | 360,000 BTU/h |
| 40 TR | 480,000 BTU/h |
| 50 TR | 600,000 BTU/h |
| 75 TR | 900,000 BTU/h |
| 100 TR | 1,200,000 BTU/h |
| 250 TR | 3,000,000 BTU/h |
| 500 TR | 6,000,000 BTU/h |
| 1,000 TR | 12,000,000 BTU/h |
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.
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.