1. What is Watt to BTU Conversion?

The conversion between watts and BTU/hr (British Thermal Units per hour) is essential for comparing power measurements between the metric system (watts) and the imperial system (BTU/hr). This is particularly useful in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications.

2. How Does the Conversion Work?

The conversion uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Power in BTU per hour
• \( P \) — Power in watts
• \( 3.412142 \) — Conversion factor (exact value)

Explanation: 1 watt is equal to exactly 3.412142 BTU per hour. This conversion factor comes from the definition of the BTU in terms of joules.

3. Practical Applications

Details: This conversion is commonly used in HVAC systems to compare the cooling or heating capacity of equipment specified in different units. It's also useful for energy efficiency calculations and electrical-to-thermal energy conversions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the power value in watts and click "Convert" to get the equivalent in BTU/hr. The calculator accepts decimal values for precise conversions.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 3.412142?
A: This exact value comes from the definition that 1 BTU equals approximately 1055.05585262 joules, and 1 watt equals 1 joule per second.

Q2: Is this conversion reversible?
A: Yes, to convert BTU/hr back to watts, divide by 3.412142.

Q3: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact using the defined relationship between BTU and joules.

Q4: When would I need this conversion?
A: Common uses include comparing air conditioner specifications (often in BTU/hr) with electrical power requirements (in watts), or calculating heat output from electrical devices.

Q5: Are there different types of BTU?
A: The calculator uses the International Table BTU (the most common definition). Other definitions exist but differ by less than 0.5%.