BTU to CFH Formula:
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The BTU to CFH conversion calculates the cubic feet per hour of natural gas required to produce a specific heat output in British Thermal Units per hour. This is essential for sizing gas lines, appliances, and understanding fuel consumption rates.
The calculator uses the BTU to CFH formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula divides the total heat output by the energy content of natural gas to determine the volume of gas required per hour.
Details: Accurate CFH calculation is crucial for proper gas line sizing, appliance selection, safety compliance, and energy efficiency planning in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Tips: Enter the heat rate in BTU/h. The value must be greater than zero. The calculator will automatically compute the corresponding CFH value.
Q1: Why is 1025 used as the conversion factor?
A: 1025 BTU/ft³ is the average heating value of natural gas, though it can vary slightly by region and gas composition (typically 1000-1100 BTU/ft³).
Q2: What is the difference between BTU and CFH?
A: BTU measures energy (heat output), while CFH measures gas flow rate (volume per hour). This conversion connects energy demand to fuel consumption.
Q3: When is this conversion most commonly used?
A: Commonly used for sizing gas lines for furnaces, water heaters, stoves, fireplaces, and industrial equipment that uses natural gas.
Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: The calculation assumes standard natural gas composition. For propane or other fuels, different conversion factors apply. Altitude and temperature can also affect results.
Q5: How accurate is this conversion for real-world applications?
A: For most residential and commercial applications, it provides sufficient accuracy. For critical industrial applications, consult specific gas analysis data.