1. What is Watt to BTU Conversion?

The Watt to BTU conversion is used to translate power measurements between the metric system (watts) and the imperial system (British Thermal Units per hour). This is particularly useful in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications where both units are commonly used.

2. Conversion Formula

The conversion between watts and BTU/hr is straightforward:

Where:

• 1 Watt = 3.412142 BTU/hr
• 1 BTU/hr ≈ 0.293071 Watts

Explanation: This conversion factor comes from the relationship between the two units of power measurement, where 1 BTU is the amount of energy needed to raise 1 pound of water by 1°F.

3. Practical Applications

Details: This conversion is essential when comparing or specifying heating and cooling equipment capacities, as some manufacturers use watts while others use BTU/hr. It's also useful for energy efficiency calculations and electrical to thermal power conversions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the power value in watts and click calculate. The result will show the equivalent power in BTU per hour. The calculator accepts decimal values for precise conversions.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor not a round number?
A: The conversion comes from fundamental physical constants and definitions, resulting in this precise decimal value.

Q2: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion factor is precise to six decimal places (3.412142), making it accurate for most practical applications.

Q3: Can I convert BTU/hr back to watts?
A: Yes, divide the BTU/hr value by 3.412142 or multiply by 0.293071 to get watts.

Q4: Is this conversion affected by temperature or altitude?
A: No, the conversion between these power units is constant regardless of environmental conditions.

Q5: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/hr?
A: BTU measures energy, while BTU/hr measures power (energy per unit time). This calculator converts between power units.