How many BTUs are equivalent to the removal of one ton of refrigeration?

One ton of refrigeration is defined as the amount of heat that must be removed to freeze one ton (2,000 pounds) of water at 32°F in a 24-hour period. This is a standard measurement in the HVAC industry. The calculation shows that this process requires the removal of 12,000 BTUs of heat over a 24-hour span.

The reason 12,000 BTU is the correct answer is that it aligns with the accepted definition of refrigeration capacity. In more technical terms, one ton of refrigeration is equivalent to cooling capacity that can remove 12,000 BTUs per hour. This figure is critical for understanding and calculating cooling loads and HVAC system requirements.