Cooling-capacity terms help describe equipment, but they do not establish which system a space needs. When making a supply enquiry, copy the approved capacity and its unit exactly. Keep capacity separate from electrical consumption and retain the selected model wherever one has already been approved.
What the capacity units mean
BTU is a unit of heat energy; BTU/h expresses the rate at which heat is transferred. A refrigeration ton is a cooling-rate unit, not the equipment's weight. One refrigeration ton corresponds to 12,000 BTU/h, or approximately 3.517 kW of cooling. For example, 24,000 BTU/h corresponds to two refrigeration tons as a unit conversion; it does not establish the electrical input or the correct size for a room.
Avoid numbers without units
Write BTU/h, kW of cooling or the specified cooling-ton notation alongside the number. A message containing only '24' or '2 ton' can leave the model, operating conditions and required configuration unresolved. Copy the project's terminology consistently across the equipment list, drawings and supplier response rather than translating units informally between messages.
Capacity is one selection field
The project professional needs to assess the load and approved operating conditions, then specify the system and electrical requirements. Do not choose capacity from floor area alone using a universal rule. For supply comparison, verify that the offers refer to the same approved model or documented performance requirement. A larger capacity number is not, by itself, proof of a better match.
A practical enquiry example
If one document uses cooling kW and another uses electrical input kW, do not put the numbers in the same comparison column. Label the two quantities separately and ask for clarification before interpreting a difference.
Enquiry checklist
- Capacity value with its exact unit
- Approved model or performance specification
- Operating conditions and electrical requirements
- Consistent units across supplier responses
Can floor area alone determine AC capacity?
It should not be used as a universal sizing method. The project's load and operating requirements need assessment by a qualified professional.
Related technical reading
External technical resources. A link does not establish Refco stock or brand availability.
Discuss your requirement with Refco
Prepare the approved references and quantities, then contact the branch to confirm availability and collection details before visiting.
