1. What is BTU in Heat Pumps?

BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures the heating/cooling capacity of heat pumps. One BTU represents the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

2. How Does the Conversion Work?

The calculator uses the standard conversion formula:

Where:

• 1 ton of cooling = 12,000 BTU/hour
• 5 tons = 60,000 BTU/hour (standard for many Mitsubishi models)

Explanation: This conversion is based on the historical measure of how much heat melting one ton of ice can remove in 24 hours.

3. Importance of Proper Sizing

Details: Correctly sizing a Mitsubishi heat pump is crucial for efficiency and performance. Oversized units short cycle, while undersized units struggle to maintain temperature.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the heat pump size in tons (common sizes: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5 tons). The calculator will show the equivalent BTU rating.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are Mitsubishi heat pumps rated in tons?
A: Tons is the traditional HVAC industry standard for capacity measurement, dating back to ice-based cooling systems.

Q2: Is 5-ton the largest Mitsubishi heat pump?
A: Mitsubishi offers systems up to 6 tons (72,000 BTU) in their VRF and City Multi product lines.

Q3: How many square feet will a 5-ton (60,000 BTU) heat pump cool?
A: Approximately 2,500-3,000 sq ft, depending on climate, insulation, and other factors.

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

Q5: Can I convert BTU back to tons?
A: Yes, divide BTU by 12,000 (e.g., 60,000 BTU ÷ 12,000 = 5 tons).