British Thermal Unit per Hour (Btu/h)

Definition

The British thermal unit per hour (Btu/h) is a unit of power used to measure thermal energy transfer. It is a customary unit, defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit in one hour.

History

The concept of the British thermal unit was established in the 19th century, with the term "Btu" first appearing in scientific literature around 1880. As industrial heating and cooling systems developed, Btu/h became a standard measure for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems.

Uses

Btu/h is primarily employed in the HVAC industry to specify the cooling and heating capacities of equipment. It is also used in energy calculations and thermal efficiency assessments. The unit is especially common in the United States and Canada.

Conversions

  • 1 Btu/h = 0.293 watts
  • 1 Btu/h = 3.412 British thermal units per hour
  • 1 Btu/h = 0.000293 megawatts

Fun Facts

  • A common misconception is that Btu and Btu/h are interchangeable; they measure different concepts (energy vs. power).
  • The unit is widely used in the U.S. but is less common in countries that predominantly use the metric system, which favors kilowatts.
Calculator – MinyTools