What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to translate heat flux density values expressed in CHU/hour/square foot into watts per square meter (W/m²), the SI unit of heat transfer per area. It is useful for engineering, construction, and thermal performance applications.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the heat flux density value in CHU/hour/square foot
-
Select the desired output unit watt/square meter [W/m²]
-
Submit to receive the converted value instantly
-
Use the result for building design, HVAC load calculations, or thermal analysis
Key Features
-
Converts heat flux density units from CHU/hour/square foot to watt/square meter [W/m²]
-
Supports HVAC, building science, and industrial heat transfer applications
-
Browser-based and easy to use for quick unit conversion
-
Provides standardization by translating non-SI to SI measurement units
Examples
-
2 CHU/hour/square foot converts to 11.3565267972 W/m² by multiplying by 5.6782633986
-
0.5 CHU/hour/square foot converts to 2.8391316993 W/m² using the same conversion factor
Common Use Cases
-
Calculating HVAC loads based on heat gain or loss per square foot
-
Comparing insulation performance of walls or roofs on a per-area basis
-
Sizing radiant heating or cooling panels by required heat flux density
-
Specifying solar irradiance and heat flux in building thermal design
-
Converting heat flux data for scientific and engineering integration
Tips & Best Practices
-
Ensure unit consistency when working with surface area measurements (square foot vs. square meter)
-
Verify that the energy equivalent of one CHU is correctly applied for accurate conversion
-
Use the SI units watt per square meter [W/m²] for international standardization
-
Apply conversions carefully in insulation and HVAC equipment sizing to maintain precision
Limitations
-
CHU is a non-SI unit requiring proper energy equivalence to convert correctly to watts
-
Conversion accuracy depends on the precise energy content attributed to one CHU
-
Differences in surface area units (square foot vs. square meter) demand careful unit handling
-
Measurement conditions and unit definitions can affect conversion consistency
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What does CHU/hour/square foot measure?
-
It measures heat flux density by quantifying thermal energy transferred per hour across one square foot of area.
-
Why convert CHU/hour/square foot to watt/square meter?
-
Converting to watts per square meter standardizes heat flux density measurements to internationally recognized SI units, enabling easier comparison and calculation.
-
In what fields is this conversion commonly used?
-
This conversion is frequently applied in HVAC engineering, building science, thermal insulation evaluation, solar energy assessment, and industrial heat transfer.
Key Terminology
-
CHU/hour/square foot
-
A unit of heat flux density expressing thermal energy transfer per hour across a square foot surface.
-
Watt/square meter [W/m²]
-
The SI unit for heat flux density, indicating power flow per area across a surface.
-
Heat Flux Density
-
The rate of heat transfer per unit area, indicating how much energy crosses a surface over time.