1. What is a kW to BTU Heating Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and engineers convert between these common heating power units for system design and specification.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Heating output in BTU/h
• \( P \) — Power input in kilowatts (kW)
• 3412 — Conversion factor (BTU/h per kW)

Explanation: 1 kW of heating power is equivalent to 3412 BTU/h of heat output.

3. Importance of Power Unit Conversion

Details: Accurate conversion ensures proper equipment sizing and performance comparisons between systems using different measurement units.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the power in kilowatts (must be > 0) and the calculator will display the equivalent BTU/h output.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 3412?
A: This comes from the definition of BTU and watt - 1 kW equals 3412.142 BTU/h exactly.

Q2: Does this work for cooling systems too?
A: Yes, the same conversion applies for cooling capacity measurements.

Q3: How precise is this conversion?
A: The 3412 factor is exact, though equipment ratings may round to whole numbers.

Q4: What's a typical kW rating for residential heaters?
A: Home heating systems typically range from 3-20 kW (10,000-68,000 BTU/h).

Q5: Can I convert BTU/h back to kW?
A: Yes, simply divide BTU/h by 3412 to get kW.