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Conversion Formula:
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The Watts to BTU conversion calculates the British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h) equivalent of electrical power measured in watts. This conversion is essential for comparing electrical heating/cooling systems with thermal systems.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: The conversion factor 3.412 represents the number of BTU per hour equivalent to one watt of electrical power, based on the relationship between electrical energy and thermal energy.
Details: Accurate power conversion is crucial for sizing HVAC systems, comparing electrical and gas appliances, energy efficiency calculations, and thermal management in various applications.
Tips: Enter power in watts. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent BTU/h. For 1500W loads (common for space heaters), the result is approximately 5118 BTU/h.
Q1: Why is the conversion factor 3.412?
A: 3.412 BTU/h per watt comes from the definition of BTU (amount of heat to raise 1 pound of water by 1°F) and the watt (1 joule per second), with 1 BTU = 1055 joules.
Q2: What is a typical 1500W appliance in BTU?
A: A standard 1500W space heater produces approximately 5118 BTU/h, making it suitable for heating small to medium-sized rooms.
Q3: Can I use this for air conditioning calculations?
A: Yes, this conversion works for both heating and cooling applications when comparing electrical power to thermal capacity.
Q4: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically precise for the relationship between electrical watts and thermal BTU/h, assuming 100% efficiency in energy conversion.
Q5: What are common wattage to BTU conversions?
A: Common conversions include: 500W = 1706 BTU/h, 1000W = 3412 BTU/h, 1500W = 5118 BTU/h, 2000W = 6824 BTU/h.