1. What is Watts to BTU/hr Conversion?

The conversion between watts and BTU/hr is essential for comparing power measurements between the metric system (watts) and the imperial system (BTU/hr). This is particularly important in fields like HVAC, energy efficiency, and appliance specifications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Power in watts
• \( 3.412142 \) — Conversion factor (exact value)

Explanation: One watt is equal to approximately 3.412142 British Thermal Units per hour. This conversion factor is derived from the definition of the BTU.

3. Practical Applications

Details: This conversion is commonly used when comparing electrical heating systems (rated in watts) with gas heating systems (rated in BTU/hr), or when calculating cooling requirements for spaces.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the power value in watts and the calculator will automatically compute the equivalent in BTU/hr. 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 1 BTU as approximately 1055.06 joules and 1 watt as 1 joule per second.

Q2: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact, though real-world measurements may have some instrument error.

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

Q4: Where is this conversion most commonly used?
A: Primarily in HVAC systems, energy efficiency calculations, and when comparing electrical and gas-powered equipment.

Q5: Are there other units for power conversion?
A: Yes, other common units include horsepower (1 hp ≈ 745.7 W) and kilocalories per hour (1 kcal/h ≈ 1.163 W).