What does a refrigeration ton measure?

A refrigeration ton is a unit of measurement that specifically quantifies the amount of heat removed from a designated space. One refrigeration ton is defined as the ability to remove heat at a rate of 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour, which is equivalent to the amount of heat absorbed by one ton (2,000 pounds) of ice when it melts over a 24-hour period.

This measurement is crucial in HVAC and refrigeration applications because it helps in sizing and selecting cooling equipment to ensure adequate cooling for spaces based on heat load calculations. The clarity in understanding this concept lies in recognizing that refrigeration tonnage directly correlates to the cooling capacity of systems used for climate control, rather than measuring physical characteristics like volume, pressure, or power output of machinery. Thus, understanding refrigeration tons is essential for efficient system design and operation in temperature-controlled environments.