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BTU per hour Conversion Table
This comprehensive BTU per hour conversion table shows how various units relate to BTU/h. Use this reference for quick conversions between BTU per hour and other common power units.
| Conversion | To Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| BTU/h to watts | Watts | 0.293071 |
| BTU/h to kilowatts | Kilowatts | 0.000293071 |
| BTU/h to megawatts | Megawatts | 2.93071e-7 |
| BTU/h to horsepower | Horsepower | 0.000393015 |
| BTU/h to tons of refrigeration | Tons of refrigeration | 0.0000833333 |
This BTU per hour conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors for both metric and imperial units. All values are based on internationally recognized standards for maximum precision in engineering and HVAC applications.
What is BTU per hour?
BTU per hour (BTU/h) is a unit of power in the Imperial system that measures the rate of heat transfer. One BTU per hour is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit in one hour. This definition makes BTU/h particularly useful in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications.
BTU per hour is widely used in North America for specifying the heating or cooling capacity of furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, and other thermal systems. Our BTU per hour conversion tool helps you easily convert between BTU/h and other power units. For example, 1 BTU/h equals approximately 0.293 watts or 0.000393 horsepower.
What is the BTU?
The British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a traditional unit of heat defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. When expressed as a rate (BTU per hour), it becomes a unit of power. BTU/h is commonly used in HVAC systems to specify heating and cooling capacities:
- 1 BTU/h = 0.293071 watts
- 1 watt = 3.41214 BTU/h
- 1 ton of refrigeration = 12,000 BTU/h
- 1 horsepower = 2,544.43 BTU/h
What are BTU per hour Used For?
BTU per hour is used in a wide range of applications related to heating and cooling systems. In North America, it's the standard unit for specifying the capacity of HVAC equipment, making it essential for power unit conversions:
Heating Systems
Furnace and boiler output ratings. For example, a typical residential furnace might output 80,000 BTU/h of heat.
Air Conditioning
Air conditioner cooling capacity. A window AC unit might have a capacity of 5,000 BTU/h.
Water Heating
Water heater performance ratings. A tankless water heater might provide 180,000 BTU/h of heating.
Industrial Processes
Heat exchangers and process heating. Large industrial systems may require several million BTU/h.
Etymology and History
The term "British Thermal Unit" originates from the British Imperial system of measurement. The BTU was developed in the 19th century as a standard way to measure heat energy, particularly important during the Industrial Revolution when steam engines and heating systems became widespread. The "per hour" aspect was added to create a power unit that could quantify the rate of heat transfer.
While most of the world has adopted SI units like watts for power measurements, BTU per hour remains the standard in the United States for HVAC applications. This persistence reflects the established infrastructure and familiarity with the unit in the American market, making BTU/h to watt conversion tools particularly important for international collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is BTU per hour used for HVAC systems?
BTU per hour is used for HVAC systems because it directly measures the rate of heat transfer, which is exactly what heating and cooling systems do. This makes it intuitive for consumers and professionals to understand the capacity of furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. A 10,000 BTU/h air conditioner can remove 10,000 BTU of heat per hour from a space.
How accurate is the BTU per hour definition?
The definition of BTU is based on the specific heat capacity of water, which is well-characterized. However, the exact value can vary slightly depending on the temperature of the water and atmospheric conditions. For practical purposes, the standard value of 1 BTU = 1055.06 joules is used, making BTU/h conversions to SI units highly accurate for most applications.
How do I convert BTU per hour to other units?
Use our BTU per hour conversion calculators above, or multiply by the appropriate conversion factor. For example, to convert BTU/h to watts, multiply by 0.293071. To convert to tons of refrigeration, divide by 12,000. For detailed instructions on converting BTU/h to kilowatts, visit our BTU/h to kW converter.
What's the relationship between BTU and watt?
The relationship between BTU and watt is defined by their respective definitions. 1 BTU/h equals approximately 0.293071 watts, and 1 watt equals approximately 3.41214 BTU/h. This relationship is based on the mechanical equivalent of heat and is used in all power unit conversions between Imperial and SI systems.
What are common uses for BTU per hour conversion?
BTU per hour conversion is essential in HVAC system selection and sizing, energy efficiency calculations, and comparing heating/cooling equipment specifications. Whether determining the appropriate furnace size for a home or calculating the energy consumption of an air conditioner, our BTU/h converter tool simplifies these everyday tasks.
How does BTU per hour conversion differ from other power units?
BTU per hour is based on thermal energy rather than mechanical or electrical energy like watts. This makes it particularly well-suited for heating and cooling applications. While watts measure power in any form, BTU/h specifically measures heat transfer rate, which is why it's the preferred unit in HVAC contexts.
Can I convert very small or very large BTU per hour measurements?
Yes, our BTU per hour converter handles both extremely small and large measurements with precision. For small values, you might convert milli-BTU/h to watts (1 mBTU/h = 0.000293071 W). For large industrial applications, you might convert millions of BTU/h to megawatts. Our smart rounding feature ensures readable results for all scales.
Is your BTU per hour conversion tool free to use?
Yes, our BTU per hour conversion calculator is completely free with no registration required. Simply enter your value, select your target unit, and get instant, accurate results. We believe precise measurement conversion should be accessible to everyone, from homeowners selecting HVAC equipment to engineers working on complex thermal systems.