HVAC Tonnage Converter
Convert between BTU per hour, tons of cooling, and kilowatts for HVAC and air conditioning systems.
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HVAC cooling capacity is measured in BTU/hr, tons, and kW.
Conversion factors:
- 1 ton of cooling = 12,000 BTU/hr = 3.517 kW
- 1 kW = 3,412 BTU/hr = 0.2843 tons
- 1 BTU/hr = 0.000293 kW
Common residential AC sizes:
- 1.5 ton = 18,000 BTU/hr = 5.28 kW (small room)
- 2 ton = 24,000 BTU/hr = 7.03 kW (medium room)
- 3 ton = 36,000 BTU/hr = 10.55 kW (large room)
- 4 ton = 48,000 BTU/hr = 14.07 kW (small house)
- 5 ton = 60,000 BTU/hr = 17.58 kW (large house)
Rough sizing guide:
- About 1 ton per 500-600 sq ft of living space.
- Climate, insulation, and windows affect actual needs.