What is the equivalent of one ton of refrigeration in BTU/hr?

One ton of refrigeration is defined as the amount of heat absorbed by one ton (2,000 pounds) of ice melting at 32 degrees Fahrenheit in a 24-hour period. The process of melting ice absorbs heat, which is equivalent to removing 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heat from a space over that same 24-hour period.

Therefore, one ton of refrigeration is precisely equal to 12,000 BTU/hr. This relationship is crucial in the context of air conditioning and refrigeration systems, where the cooling capacity is often measured in tons. Understanding this equivalency helps in sizing HVAC systems appropriately to ensure they can effectively manage the thermal loads in buildings and provide sufficient cooling based on the specific needs of the environment.