What does the acronym "BTU" stand for in refrigeration?

The acronym "BTU" stands for British Thermal Unit, which is a standard unit of measurement used in the field of refrigeration and HVAC. It quantifies the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit at a constant pressure. Understanding BTUs is crucial in refrigeration because it helps professionals determine the capacity of refrigeration systems and the amount of heat they can remove from a space. The ability to calculate and apply BTUs effectively allows technicians to design systems that maintain desired temperatures in various environments, ensuring efficiency and performance in refrigeration applications.