What Is This Tool?
This unit converter facilitates the conversion of heat transfer coefficients between Btu (IT) per hour per square foot per degree Fahrenheit and Btu (thermal) per second per square foot per degree Fahrenheit. It helps users express thermal energy transfer rates on a per-second basis using imperial units commonly applied in building and HVAC contexts.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the heat transfer coefficient value in Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F
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Select the input unit and the target unit (Btu (th)/second/square foot/°F)
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Click the convert button to get the corresponding value
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Use the result for precise thermal energy transfer calculations in design or analysis
Key Features
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Converts heat transfer coefficients between two imperial unit systems
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Supports calculations needed for building envelope and HVAC designs
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Browser-based and user-friendly interface
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Provides clear unit definitions for accurate understanding
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Suitable for energy code compliance and thermal performance assessments
Examples
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Convert 5 Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F to Btu (th)/second/square foot/°F results in 0.0013898185 Btu (th)/second/square foot/°F
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Convert 10 Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F to Btu (th)/second/square foot/°F results in 0.002779637 Btu (th)/second/square foot/°F
Common Use Cases
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Specifying U-values for windows, walls, roofs, and other building components for energy codes
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Calculating heating and cooling loads for HVAC equipment sizing and energy modeling
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Comparing thermal performance of insulation and building materials
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Estimating convective or conductive heat flux through building envelopes
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Assessing surface performance of heat exchangers and thermal surfaces
Tips & Best Practices
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Use stable and linear temperature difference scenarios for accurate conversion
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Be mindful of the differences between Btu (IT) and Btu (th) definitions in detailed calculations
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Handle small numerical conversion results carefully to avoid rounding errors
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Consult the energy code requirements when specifying U-values and thermal performance
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Use the converted values to enhance HVAC system design accuracy and thermal analyses
Limitations
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Energy definitions vary between Btu (IT) and Btu (th), affecting precision
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The conversion assumes stable, linear temperature differences and may not apply in dynamic conditions
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Small numerical results can lead to rounding errors if not properly managed
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F represent?
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It represents the rate of heat flow, in Btu (International Table) per hour, through one square foot of area for each degree Fahrenheit difference between two sides.
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Why convert to Btu (th)/second/square foot/°F?
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Conversion to Btu (thermal) per second per square foot per degree Fahrenheit provides a heat transfer coefficient expressed on a per-second basis, allowing more precise or real-time thermal energy transfer calculations.
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Where is this conversion commonly used?
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It is commonly used in building construction for energy compliance, HVAC engineering for load calculations, and thermal performance testing of insulation and heat exchangers.
Key Terminology
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Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F
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Heat flow rate measured in Btu (International Table) per hour through one square foot of area per degree Fahrenheit temperature difference.
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Btu (th)/second/square foot/°F
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Heat transfer coefficient expressing thermal energy transfer per second in Btu (thermal) through one square foot per degree Fahrenheit.
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U-value
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The overall heat transfer coefficient used to assess thermal conductivity of building envelope components.