How is the tonnage rating calculated for an air conditioner that removes 48,000 BTUs in one hour?

To calculate the tonnage rating of an air conditioner, it is important to understand the relationship between BTUs (British Thermal Units) and tons. One ton of cooling capacity is equivalent to the ability to remove 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour.

In this case, if the air conditioner removes 48,000 BTUs in one hour, you would divide this number by 12,000 BTUs per ton to find the tonnage.

Calculating this gives you:

48,000 BTUs ÷ 12,000 BTUs/ton = 4 tons.

This means the air conditioner is capable of cooling a space with a capacity equivalent to 4 tons. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the tonnage based on the BTU capacity specified.