BTU per Hour (BTU/h) – Energy Transfer in Heating and Cooling

TheBTU per hour (BTU/h)is a unit commonly used in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. It quantifies the rate at which energy is used or transferred, specifically the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit in one hour.

History & Background

The BTU (British Thermal Unit) has been used for over a century to measure heat energy. Its application in BTU per hour enables professionals to specify and compare the performance of heating and cooling systems in a practical and industry-standard manner.

Conversion Factors

• 1 BTU/h ≈ 0.293071 W
• 1 BTU/h ≈ 0.000293071 kW
• 1 BTU/h ≈ 3.412 BTU/h (when converting between different heat rate metrics, note: this is the factor to convert watts to BTU/h)

Applications

BTU per hour is essential for:

• Evaluating the heating and cooling capacity of HVAC systems.
• Designing and optimizing climate control solutions in residential and commercial buildings.
• Assessing energy efficiency and performance in industrial heating and cooling applications.

Interesting Facts

BTU/h ratings are often found on appliances such as air conditioners, furnaces, and water heaters, directly influencing consumer decisions on energy efficiency and operating costs.

Conclusion

BTU per hour is a vital metric for understanding and managing heat energy transfer. Its practical applications in HVAC and energy management make it indispensable for ensuring comfort, efficiency, and safety in building design.