1. What is an Electric Baseboard Heater BTU Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts the wattage of an electric baseboard heater to British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and HVAC professionals determine the heating capacity of electric baseboard heaters for proper room sizing.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( BTU \) — British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h)
• \( Watts \) — Power rating of the heater (W)
• \( 3.412 \) — Conversion factor (BTU per watt-hour)

Explanation: The wattage is multiplied by 3.412 to convert electrical power to heat output in BTUs.

3. Importance of BTU Calculation

Details: Proper BTU calculation ensures you select appropriately sized heaters for your space, preventing underheating or energy waste.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the heater's wattage (found on the nameplate). The calculator will output the BTU rating.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why 3.412 as the conversion factor?
A: 1 watt equals 3.412 BTU per hour, as defined by the International System of Units.

Q2: How many BTUs do I need per square foot?
A: Typically 10-20 BTU per sq ft, depending on climate, insulation, and room characteristics.

Q3: Does this account for efficiency losses?
A: Electric baseboard heaters are 100% efficient at point of use, so no efficiency factor is needed.

Q4: Can I use this for other electric heaters?
A: Yes, this works for any electric resistance heater (convection, radiant, etc.).

Q5: How do I convert BTU back to watts?
A: Divide BTU by 3.412 to get watts.