1. What is a Wattage to BTU Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts electrical power in watts to thermal energy in British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h).

Purpose: It helps determine the heating or cooling capacity needed when converting between electrical and thermal energy units.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( BTU \) — British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h)
• \( W \) — Electrical power in watts

Explanation: 1 watt of electrical power is equivalent to 3.412 BTU per hour of thermal energy.

3. Importance of Wattage to BTU Conversion

Details: This conversion is essential for sizing HVAC systems, selecting appropriate heating equipment, and comparing electrical and thermal energy systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the wattage value (must be > 0) to get the equivalent BTU/h output.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 3.412?
A: This is the exact conversion factor between watts and BTU/h, derived from the relationship between these energy units.

Q2: Does this calculator work for both heating and cooling?
A: Yes, the conversion is the same whether calculating heating capacity or cooling capacity.

Q3: Can I convert BTU back to watts?
A: Yes, divide BTU by 3.412 to get watts. We may add this reverse calculation in a future update.

Q4: Is this calculation affected by efficiency?
A: This gives the theoretical conversion. Actual output may vary based on system efficiency.

Q5: What's a typical wattage for household appliances?
A: Space heaters typically range from 750W to 1500W, while air conditioners can range from 900W to 3500W.