1. What is BTU to Watts Conversion?

Definition: This calculator converts power measurements from British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h) to watts (W).

Purpose: It helps in comparing and converting heating/cooling capacities between different measurement systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( Q \) — Power in British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h)
• 0.293 — Conversion factor (1 BTU/h ≈ 0.293071 W)

Explanation: The BTU/h value is multiplied by the conversion factor to get the equivalent power in watts.

3. Importance of Power Unit Conversion

Details: Converting between BTU/h and watts is essential when working with heating/cooling equipment specifications from different regions or standards.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the BTU/h value you want to convert. The value must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 0.293?
A: This comes from the definition of 1 BTU as approximately 1055.06 joules, and 1 watt being 1 joule per second.

Q2: When would I need this conversion?
A: When comparing air conditioner capacities (often in BTU/h) with electrical specifications (often in watts).

Q3: Is this conversion exact?
A: It's an approximation. The exact conversion is 1 BTU/h = 0.293071 W, but 0.293 is commonly used for simplicity.

Q4: Can I convert watts back to BTU/h?
A: Yes, use the formula: BTU/h = Watts × 3.41214

Q5: What's a typical BTU/h rating for air conditioners?
A: Residential units range from 5,000 BTU/h (small window unit) to 36,000 BTU/h (whole-house central AC).