How many BTUs per hour is equivalent to one ton of refrigerant?

One ton of refrigerant is equivalent to 12,000 BTUs per hour. This measurement stems from the historical context of refrigeration and air conditioning, where one ton is defined as the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in a 24-hour period. Because melting one ton of ice absorbs heat energy, this process translates to a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTUs over the same duration.

This standardized measurement is crucial in designing and selecting appropriate cooling systems, as it provides a baseline for comparing the cooling capacities of various refrigerants and systems. Understanding this conversion is also fundamental in HVAC applications, ensuring equipment is adequately sized for the cooling needs of a space.