1. What is a BTU to Watts Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h) to Watts (W), which are both units of power.

Purpose: It helps in converting heating or cooling capacities between different measurement systems, commonly used in HVAC systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Power in Watts
• \( BTU \) — Power in British Thermal Units per hour

Explanation: 1 Watt is equal to approximately 3.412 BTU per hour. This conversion factor comes from the relationship between the two units.

3. Importance of Power Unit Conversion

Details: Converting between BTU/h and Watts is essential when working with equipment specifications from different countries or when comparing systems that use different measurement units.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the BTU/h value you want to convert. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent in Watts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 3.412?
A: This comes from the exact conversion where 1 Watt = 3.412141633 BTU/h, based on the International Table calorie definition.

Q2: When would I need to convert BTU to Watts?
A: Common when comparing HVAC systems (often rated in BTU) with electrical systems (often rated in Watts), or when working with international specifications.

Q3: Is this conversion exact?
A: For most practical purposes, using 3.412 is sufficiently accurate. The exact conversion factor has more decimal places.

Q4: Can I convert Watts to BTU using this?
A: The reverse calculation would be BTU = Watts × 3.412. We may add this feature in a future update.

Q5: What's a typical BTU rating for home air conditioners?
A: Residential AC units typically range from 5,000 BTU (small window unit) to 36,000 BTU (whole-house system).