1. What is BTU/hr?

BTU/hr (British Thermal Units per hour) is a unit of power that measures the rate of heat energy transfer. It is commonly used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to quantify heating capacity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

Where:

• \( Watts \) — Electrical power input in watts
• \( 3.412 \) — Conversion factor (BTU/hr per watt)

Explanation: This conversion factor represents the number of BTUs produced per hour by one watt of electrical energy, based on the relationship between electrical power and heat output.

3. Importance of BTU Calculation

Details: Accurate BTU/hr calculation is essential for proper sizing of electric heating systems, ensuring efficient energy use, preventing underheating or overheating, and calculating operating costs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wattage of your electric heating device. The calculator will instantly convert it to BTU/hr output. All values must be valid (watts > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why convert watts to BTU/hr?
A: BTU/hr is the standard measurement for heating capacity in HVAC systems, while watts measure electrical input. Conversion helps in system sizing and comparison.

Q2: Is the conversion factor exact?
A: 3.412 BTU/hr per watt is the standard conversion factor based on the relationship between electrical energy and heat energy.

Q3: Can I use this for all electric heaters?
A: Yes, this conversion applies to all electric resistance heating devices where nearly 100% of electrical energy converts to heat.

Q4: How does this help with heater selection?
A: Knowing the BTU/hr output helps determine if a heater is appropriately sized for your space based on heating requirements.

Q5: What about heat pumps?
A: Heat pumps are more efficient and produce more BTU/hr per watt input. This calculator is for electric resistance heating only.