What is the cooling capacity of one ton of refrigeration?

One ton of refrigeration is defined as the ability to remove heat equivalent to the melting of one ton of ice over a 24-hour period. This translates to a cooling effect of 12,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. The reason 12,000 BTUs per hour is significant is because it provides a standard measurement for comparing the cooling capacity of different refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Understanding this concept is vital in the context of utility marketing, where representing energy-efficient systems might involve explaining how various capacities translate into real-world performance and impact on energy consumption. Recognizing that one ton corresponds to 12,000 BTUs is fundamental in making informed decisions about HVAC systems and energy calculations.