1. What is BTU to Watts Conversion?

The BTU (British Thermal Unit) to Watts conversion is used to translate power measurements between the imperial and metric systems. This conversion is particularly important in heating, cooling, and energy applications.

2. How Does the Conversion Work?

The conversion uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( Q \) — Power in BTU per hour (BTU/hr)
• 3.412142 — Conversion factor (1 W = 3.412142 BTU/hr)

Explanation: This conversion factor comes from the relationship between the two units of power measurement, where 1 watt equals approximately 3.412142 BTU per hour.

3. Practical Applications

Details: This conversion is essential when comparing or specifying heating/cooling equipment capacities, calculating energy consumption, or working with international standards that use different measurement systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the BTU/hr value you want to convert. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent wattage. The input must be a positive number.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 3.412142?
A: This exact value comes from the definition of BTU in terms of joules (1 BTU = 1055.05585262 J) and the definition of watt (1 W = 1 J/s).

Q2: Is this conversion exact?
A: Yes, the conversion factor is mathematically exact based on the current definitions of the units.

Q3: Can I convert watts back to BTU/hr?
A: Yes, simply multiply watts by 3.412142 to get BTU/hr.

Q4: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/hr?
A: BTU is a unit of energy, while BTU/hr is a unit of power (energy per unit time). When converting to watts (also a power unit), we use BTU/hr.

Q5: When would I need this conversion?
A: Common applications include sizing air conditioners, comparing heater specifications, calculating electrical equivalents for gas appliances, and energy efficiency calculations.