1. What is a BTU to kWh Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts energy measurements from British Thermal Units (BTU) to kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Purpose: It helps in comparing energy usage across different systems and units, particularly useful for HVAC, electrical, and energy management applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( E_{kWh} \) — Energy in kilowatt-hours
• \( Q_{btu} \) — Energy in British Thermal Units

Explanation: The conversion factor 3412 represents the number of BTUs in one kilowatt-hour (1 kWh = 3412 BTU).

3. Importance of BTU to kWh Conversion

Details: Converting between these units is essential when working with mixed energy systems, comparing appliance efficiencies, or calculating energy costs across different measurement systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the energy value in BTU to get the equivalent in kilowatt-hours. The value must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 3412?
A: This is the exact conversion factor defined by the relationship between the two units (1 kWh = 3412.14 BTU, typically rounded to 3412).

Q2: When would I need to convert BTU to kWh?
A: Common scenarios include comparing air conditioner ratings (BTU) with electrical consumption (kWh), or when utility bills use different units than equipment specifications.

Q3: Is this conversion affected by voltage or current?
A: No, this is a direct energy conversion independent of electrical parameters. The calculation only converts between energy units.

Q4: How precise is this conversion?
A: The calculator uses 6 decimal places for precision, though most practical applications only need 2-3 decimal places.

Q5: Can I convert kWh back to BTU?
A: Yes, simply multiply kWh by 3412 to get BTU (the inverse of this calculator's operation).