The British Thermal Unit (BTU) is the basis for sizing most heating and cooling sources. For heating, a certain number of BTUs will be necessary to heat a space to the desired indoor temperature based on outdoor conditions and the heat loss of the structure. In cooling systems, heat (measured in BTUs) must be removed from the space.
Equipment in cooling systems often lists BTUs in terms of tons. The translation is simple: 1 ton = 12,000 BTUs. A 3.5 ton air handler, for example, removes 42,000 BTUs of heat. For more heating and air conditioning products, visit SupplyHouse.com.
