Watts to BTU/hr Converter

Convert watts to BTU per hour instantly. Perfect for HVAC sizing, heater comparisons, and thermal power calculations.

Result:
BTU per hour (BTU/hr)
0.00

Formula

\[ \text{BTU/hr} = \text{Watts} \times 3.41214 \]

Where 1 watt equals approximately 3.41214 BTU per hour.

How It Works

Watts measure power (energy per unit time) in the SI system, while BTU per hour measures thermal power in the imperial system. The conversion factor 3.41214 BTU/hr per watt is derived from the relationship between joules per second (watts) and British Thermal Units per hour. This conversion is essential when comparing electrical power to heating or cooling capacity.

Example Calculation

To convert 1000 watts to BTU per hour:

  1. Multiply 1000 W by the conversion factor 3.41214
  2. 1000 × 3.41214 = 3412.14 BTU/hr
  3. Result: 1000 W = 3412.14 BTU/hr

Common Use Cases

  • HVAC Sizing: Converting electrical input to cooling/heating capacity
  • Air Conditioner Selection: Comparing AC units rated in BTU/hr vs. watts
  • Space Heater Comparisons: Understanding heater output in different units
  • Energy Efficiency: Calculating heat output from electrical consumption
  • Building Design: Thermal load calculations and equipment specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you convert watts to BTU/hr?

To convert watts to BTU/hr, multiply the number of watts by 3.41214. For example, a 1500-watt heater produces 5118.21 BTU/hr of heat.

Why is this conversion important?

This conversion is important for comparing electrical power consumption with HVAC capacity. Air conditioners and heaters are often rated in BTU/hr, while electrical consumption is measured in watts.

How many BTU/hr is 1 watt?

1 watt equals 3.41214 BTU/hr. This means a 1000-watt device produces 3412.14 BTU/hr of thermal energy.

What's the difference between BTU and BTU/hr?

BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a unit of energy, while BTU/hr is a unit of power (energy per time). BTU measures total energy, BTU/hr measures the rate of energy transfer, similar to joules vs. watts.

Data Source and Methodology

The conversion factor is based on the standard definition: 1 W = 3.412141633 BTU/hr, commonly rounded to 3.41214 for practical calculations. This is derived from the exact relationship between joules and BTU.