1. What is BTU in Heat Pumps?

BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a measurement of heat energy. In heat pumps, it indicates the system's heating or cooling capacity. One ton of cooling capacity equals 12,000 BTU per hour.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple conversion formula:

Where:

• \( Tons \) — Nominal size of the heat pump
• \( 12,000 \) — Conversion factor (BTU per ton)

Explanation: This conversion is standard for HVAC systems, where each ton of cooling capacity represents the ability to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours (12,000 BTU).

3. Importance of Proper Sizing

Details: Correctly sizing a heat pump is crucial for efficiency and comfort. Undersized units struggle to maintain temperature, while oversized units short-cycle, reducing efficiency and lifespan.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the nominal size of your ducted heat pump in tons (common residential sizes range from 1.5 to 5 tons). The calculator will output the equivalent BTU rating.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why 12,000 BTU per ton?
A: This comes from the historical definition of one ton of cooling being equal to the heat required to melt one ton (2000 lbs) of ice in 24 hours (12,000 BTU per hour).

Q2: What size heat pump do I need for my home?
A: While this calculator converts tons to BTU, actual sizing requires a Manual J calculation considering climate, insulation, windows, and other factors.

Q3: Are all 5-ton heat pumps exactly 60,000 BTU?
A: Most are close, but some high-efficiency models may have slightly different BTU ratings. Always check manufacturer specifications.

Q4: What's the difference between BTU and SEER?
A: BTU measures capacity, while SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures efficiency (BTU of cooling per watt-hour of electricity).

Q5: Can I use this for mini-split systems?
A: Yes, the conversion applies to all heat pumps, though mini-splits are often rated directly in BTU rather than tons.