Engineering Tools
BTU / kW / RT Converter
Enter any HVAC cooling capacity value to instantly convert between BTU/hr, kW, kcal/hr, and Refrigeration Tons (RT). Suitable for AC sizing, central air conditioning planning, and engineering design.
Cooling Capacity Unit Converter
Conversion Results
Conversion Formula
This tool uses kW as the base unit for conversion. The core conversion factors are:
1 kW = 3,412.14 BTU/hr
1 kW = 860 kcal/hr
1 Refrigeration Ton (RT) = 3.517 kW = 12,000 BTU/hr
Calculation steps: First, the input value is converted to kW based on the source unit, then from kW to the other three units. The Refrigeration Ton originates from the amount of heat needed to completely melt 1 short ton (2,000 lbs) of ice at 0 degrees C in 24 hours, and is the most commonly used capacity unit for central air conditioning systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert between BTU and kW?
1 kW = 3,412.14 BTU/hr. For example, a 2.8 kW air conditioner is approximately 9,554 BTU/hr.
What is a Refrigeration Ton (RT)?
A Refrigeration Ton is a unit of cooling capacity used in HVAC engineering. 1 RT = 3.517 kW = 12,000 BTU/hr. It is commonly used to specify the capacity of chillers in central air conditioning systems.
How do I choose between kW and BTU for residential AC?
As a general guide, approximately 450-550 BTU/hr of cooling capacity is needed per ping. For example, a 10-ping space requires about 4,500-5,500 BTU/hr (approximately 1.3-1.6 kW).
Professional Consultation
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Online tools provide preliminary estimates for reference. Actual engineering design requires consideration of many additional professional factors. Contact our engineering team for precise HVAC system planning.