How many Btu/hr are required to produce one ton of cooling?

One ton of cooling is defined as the ability to remove heat at a rate equivalent to the melting of one ton of ice in a 24-hour period. This is a standard measure used in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. To understand the amount of energy involved, it is important to note that one ton of refrigeration is equal to 12,000 British thermal units (Btu) per hour. This value is derived from the energy needed to freeze one ton of water at 32°F over a 24-hour period, which is approximately 288,000 Btu. Dividing this amount by the number of hours gives the hourly cooling requirement of 12,000 Btu/hr for one ton.

This understanding is crucial for HVAC professionals who must size and select equipment based on the cooling requirements of a space, ensuring that the system can meet the expected thermal load. Such knowledge is also essential for understanding energy efficiency and operational parameters when designing and maintaining refrigeration and air conditioning systems.