1. What is BTU/hr?

BTU/hr (British Thermal Units per hour) is a unit of power commonly used to measure the heating or cooling capacity of home appliances like air conditioners, furnaces, and heaters. One BTU represents the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

2. Conversion Formula

The conversion from watts to BTU/hr is straightforward:

Where:

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

Explanation: This conversion factor comes from the exact relationship where 1 watt = 3.412142 BTU/hr.

3. Practical Applications

Details: This conversion is particularly useful when:

• Sizing air conditioning units for rooms
• Comparing electrical appliances with gas-powered equivalents
• Calculating heat output from electrical devices
• Determining HVAC system requirements

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the power in watts to get the equivalent in BTU/hr. Common household appliance wattages:

• LED light bulb: 5-15W
• Laptop: 50-100W
• Microwave: 700-1200W
• Space heater: 1500W

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why convert watts to BTU/hr?
A: Many heating/cooling appliances are rated in BTU/hr, while electrical devices show watts. Conversion allows direct comparison.

Q2: How many BTU/hr is 1000W?
A: 1000W × 3.412142 = 3412.142 BTU/hr (this is why "1 ton" of AC equals about 12,000 BTU/hr or 3.5kW)

Q3: Is this conversion exact?
A: Yes, the conversion factor 3.412142 is mathematically exact, not an approximation.

Q4: Does this account for efficiency?
A: No, this is a direct energy conversion. Actual heating/cooling performance depends on device efficiency.

Q5: Can I convert BTU/hr back to watts?
A: Yes, divide BTU/hr by 3.412142 to get watts (W = BTU/hr ÷ 3.412142).