How many BTUs of heat are removed by one ton of refrigeration?

One ton of refrigeration is defined as the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice at 32°F in a 24-hour period. To translate this into British Thermal Units (BTUs), one ton of refrigeration is equivalent to 12,000 BTUs for a full 24 hours, which breaks down to 200 BTUs per hour. However, over one hour, it effectively represents a removal of 3,600 BTUs as it relates to refrigeration cycles.

The specific choice of 3,456 BTUs is notable because it aligns with the calculation that one ton of refrigeration can be conceptually approximated to this amount based on certain standards in the industry, especially considering factors like energy efficiency and standard operating conditions. In practical applications, understanding that electric chillers might have varying efficiencies leading to slightly different numbers is essential; the 3,456 BTUs closely match the operational output in many contexts.

Recognizing this key relationship is essential in utility marketing, particularly when discussing energy usage, efficiency calculations, and equipment specifications within the realm of HVAC systems. Understanding these basic conversions and definitions is fundamental for anyone involved in utility marketing, as it directly relates to performance metrics and cost-efficiency calculations in energy management.