1. What is a BTU to kW Converter?

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

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals, engineers, and technicians convert between these common power units used in heating and cooling systems.

2. How Does the Converter Work?

The converter uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in kilowatts (kW)
• \( Q \) — Power in British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h)

Explanation: 1 kW is equivalent to 3412 BTU/h, so we divide the BTU/h value by 3412 to get the equivalent in kW.

3. Importance of BTU to kW Conversion

Details: Accurate conversion between these units is essential for system design, equipment specification, and energy calculations in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning applications.

4. Using the Converter

Tips: Simply enter the BTU/h value you want to convert. The result will be displayed in kilowatts with 6 decimal places for precision.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 3412?
A: This comes from the definition of BTU and kW. 1 kW = 3412.142 BTU/h exactly, as 1 BTU equals about 1055.06 joules and 1 kW equals 1000 joules per second.

Q2: When would I need this conversion?
A: Common uses include comparing heating/cooling system capacities, working with international specifications, or when equipment uses different measurement units.

Q3: How precise is this conversion?
A: The conversion uses the standard factor with 6 decimal places in calculations, though most practical applications don't need this level of precision.

Q4: Can I convert kW back to BTU/h?
A: Yes, simply multiply kW by 3412 to get BTU/h. We may add a reverse calculator in future updates.

Q5: What's a typical BTU/h value for home air conditioners?
A: Residential AC units typically range from 5,000 BTU/h (small window unit) to 60,000 BTU/h (whole-house system), which converts to about 1.5 kW to 17.6 kW.