BTU & Tonnage Converter
Conversion Results
36,000
BTUs/hr
3.00
Tons
10.55
kW (Thermal)
Calculator
BTU / Tonnage Converter
Quickly convert your HVAC system's capacity between BTUs (British Thermal Units), Tons, and thermal kW.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How many BTUs are in one ton of AC?
There are exactly 12,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) in one ton of air conditioning capacity.
What does "tonnage" mean in HVAC?
Tonnage refers to the cooling capacity of an AC unit. The term dates back to when ice was used for cooling; one "ton" of cooling is the amount of heat required to melt a one-ton block of ice in 24 hours (288,000 BTUs per day, or 12,000 BTUs per hour).
How do I read the tonnage from my AC model number?
Look for a two-digit number divisible by 6 in the model number. For example, "036" means 36,000 BTUs (3 tons), and "048" means 48,000 BTUs (4 tons).
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