# Ref Tools vs BTU Calculator

The clearest difference is rating: BTU Calculator at 5.0 against Ref Tools's 3.9. BTU Calculator also leads on iOS requirement (7.0 vs 15.0). Ref Tools's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (52 vs 5). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

BTU Calculator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ref Tools has 52 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Ref Tools ships an update every 5 weeks, BTU Calculator every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ref Tools | BTU Calculator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (52 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ref-tools/id472312541/reviews) | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/btu-calculator-air-conditioner/id870084189/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **52** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 57.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 98 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **7.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Danfoss A/S](https://appshunter.io/developer/423984644) | [Queen Mob](https://appshunter.io/developer/353404090) |

## What reviewers say

### Ref Tools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ref-tools/id472312541)

This app provides HVACR technicians with essential tools and information for field service. It includes refrigerant calculators, troubleshooting guides, product finders, and access to spare parts. Listen to educational podcasts to enhance your knowledge on the go.

**Highlights:** Refrigerant Slider for P/T calculations, Solenoid valve coil testing tool, Refrigeration system troubleshooting guide, Product data finder, Spare parts ordering, Low-GWP refrigerant comparison, TXV Superheat optimization, Educational podcasts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Useful tool for HVAC/R techs
- 👍 Great idea for an app
- 👍 Best refrigeration and hvac app
- 👍 Useful App for HVACR
- 👍 Brilliant app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes instantly on launch
- 🐛 App won’t open on iPhone
- 🐛 Flashes up and disappears
- 🐛 Cannot open app
- 🐛 Immediately shuts off

**Reported bugs**

- CRASHED instantly on Mac Mini M4
- App won’t open on iPhone
- App flashes up and disappears
- Cannot open app
- Immediately shuts off since recent release

**Requested features**

- More residential AC information
- Troubleshooter for Residential & Commercial
- Add SP22 refrigerant
- Add R-11 refrigerant
- Add R-123 range down to 40 degrees


### BTU Calculator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/btu-calculator-air-conditioner/id870084189)

This utility helps you determine the appropriate cooling capacity for an air conditioner based on room size and other factors. It simplifies the process of selecting the right unit to ensure optimal comfort and energy efficiency.

**Highlights:** BTU calculation, Air conditioner sizing, Room dimension input, Cooling capacity estimation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ref Tools free?

Ref Tools is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is BTU Calculator free?

BTU Calculator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Ref Tools or BTU Calculator?

BTU Calculator is rated higher. Ref Tools averages 3.9 out of 5 from 52 ratings, while BTU Calculator averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.

### Do Ref Tools or BTU Calculator have ads?

Neither Ref Tools nor BTU Calculator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ref Tools or BTU Calculator?

Ref Tools ships an update every 5 weeks, and BTU Calculator every 5 months. Most recently, Ref Tools was updated on October 17, 2026 and BTU Calculator on October 11, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*