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BTU (British Thermal Unit) and watt are both units of power measurement. BTU is commonly used in heating and cooling systems, while watts are the standard SI unit for power. Converting between these units is essential for comparing energy efficiency and system specifications.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts power measurements from BTU per hour to watts using the standard conversion factor of 3.41214 BTU per watt-hour.
Details: Accurate power unit conversion is crucial for comparing energy efficiency ratings, sizing HVAC systems, calculating electrical loads, and ensuring compatibility between international equipment specifications.
Tips: Enter the BTU/h value you want to convert. The value must be a positive number. The calculator will instantly provide the equivalent power in watts.
Q1: Why is the conversion factor 3.41214?
A: This value comes from the definition of BTU as the amount of energy needed to heat 1 pound of water by 1°F, and watt as 1 joule per second, with precise conversion between these energy units.
Q2: Can I convert watts back to BTU?
A: Yes, the reverse conversion is: BTU/h = W × 3.41214. Multiply watts by 3.41214 to get BTU per hour.
Q3: Where is BTU/h commonly used?
A: BTU/h is primarily used in the United States for rating heating and cooling systems, such as air conditioners, furnaces, and water heaters.
Q4: Are there different types of BTU?
A: While there are slight variations, the International Steam Table BTU is the most commonly used standard, which is exactly 1055.05585262 joules.
Q5: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion using 3.41214 is accurate for most practical applications. For extremely precise scientific calculations, additional decimal places might be used.