1. What is BTU?

BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a traditional unit of heat defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In heating systems, BTU/h (BTU per hour) is commonly used to measure heat output capacity.

2. How Does the Conversion Work?

The calculator uses the simple conversion formula:

Where:

• 1 kW (kilowatt) = 3412 BTU/h
• 6 kW = 6 × 3412 = 20,472 BTU/h

Explanation: This conversion factor comes from the relationship between the metric (kW) and imperial (BTU) units of power.

3. Importance of BTU Calculation

Details: Knowing the BTU output of a heat pump helps in proper system sizing for your space. Undersized units won't heat effectively, while oversized units may short-cycle and be less efficient.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the heat pump capacity in kW (default is 6 kW). The calculator will instantly show the equivalent BTU/h output. For 6 kW systems, the standard output is 20,472 BTU/h.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 6 kW a common heat pump size?
A: 6 kW (≈20,000 BTU/h) is a popular residential size suitable for heating medium-sized homes (≈1,500-2,000 sq ft in moderate climates).

Q2: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion factor (1 kW = 3412 BTU/h) is exact, but actual heat pump performance may vary slightly based on efficiency and operating conditions.

Q3: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/h?
A: BTU measures energy, while BTU/h measures power (energy per time). Heat pump capacities are rated in BTU/h.

Q4: How does this relate to SEER ratings?
A: SEER measures cooling efficiency. For heating efficiency, look for HSPF ratings. Both are separate from capacity measurements.

Q5: Can I use this for other heating systems?
A: Yes, the kW to BTU/h conversion applies to any electric heating system, though fuel-based systems have different calculations.