What is the cooling capacity of a system rated at 12,000 BTU/hr?

The correct choice regarding the cooling capacity of a system rated at 12,000 BTU/hr is that it equals 1 ton. In HVAC terminology, one ton of cooling capacity is defined as the ability to remove heat at a rate of 12,000 BTU/hr. This standard is based on the historical use of ice for cooling, where one ton of ice can absorb that amount of heat as it melts over a 24-hour period.

Therefore, when you see a cooling capacity specified as 12,000 BTU/hr, that directly translates to 1 ton of cooling capacity. This relationship is essential for professionals in the HVAC field to understand, as it helps them select the correct air conditioning units and systems for different applications based on the required cooling load. Understanding this conversion is foundational in HVAC design and installation.

The other choices reflect different capacities, such as 2 tons (which would be 24,000 BTU/hr), 1.5 tons (which is 18,000 BTU/hr), and 3 tons (which equals 36,000 BTU/hr). These values do not correspond to the given capacity of 12,000 BTU/hr. Hence, the correct interpretation of the given cooling capacity