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BTU/hr to Refrigeration Tons Converter

Convert HVAC cooling capacity from BTU/hr to refrigeration tons. Exactly 12,000 BTU/hr is equal to 1 refrigeration ton.

BTU per hour ↔ Refrigeration Ton

Calculation Formula

1 BTU/hr ÷ 12,000 = 0.000083 RT

Worked Example

Convert 24,000 BTU/hr to Tons: 24,000 ÷ 12,000 = 2 Tons

BTU per hour to Refrigeration Ton Table

BTU/hrRT
6,000 BTU/hr0.5 RT
9,000 BTU/hr0.75 RT
12,000 BTU/hr1 RT
18,000 BTU/hr1.5 RT
24,000 BTU/hr2 RT
36,000 BTU/hr3 RT
48,000 BTU/hr4 RT
60,000 BTU/hr5 RT

Understanding the Conversion

In the HVAC industry, air conditioners and heat pumps are often sized in "tons". This does not refer to weight, but rather the cooling capacity. One ton is the rate of heat transfer needed to freeze one short ton (2,000 lbs) of water into ice in 24 hours.

Compare heating & cooling costs.

Use your converted HVAC ratings to compare the running costs of heat pumps versus gas furnaces.