What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to transform heat transfer coefficient measurements from the imperial unit Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F to the metric unit CHU/hour/square foot/°C. It helps evaluate thermal performance in building and HVAC systems using these two standardized units.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the value in Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F you want to convert
-
Select Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F as the input unit
-
Choose CHU/hour/square foot/°C as the output unit
-
Click convert to get the equivalent value in CHU/hour/square foot/°C
Key Features
-
Direct conversion between Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F and CHU/hour/square foot/°C
-
Applies to heat transfer coefficients, commonly called U-values
-
Supports assessment of building envelope and HVAC energy calculations
-
Browser-based and easy to use with quick results
Examples
-
5 Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F equals 5 CHU/hour/square foot/°C
-
10 Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F equals 10 CHU/hour/square foot/°C
Common Use Cases
-
Specifying U-values for windows, walls, roofs, and other building components in energy codes
-
Calculating heating and cooling loads for sizing HVAC equipment
-
Comparing thermal performance of insulation materials and assembled building structures
-
Evaluating insulation or fenestration performance for retrofit and code compliance
Tips & Best Practices
-
Always ensure temperature difference units are consistent when using this conversion
-
Use the converter for steady-state heat transfer scenarios to maintain accuracy
-
Verify surface and material uniformity assumptions when interpreting converted values
Limitations
-
Assumes steady-state heat flow and uniform surface properties in conversions
-
Accuracy may be affected by variations in materials or environmental factors
-
Temperature difference units must be applied consistently for valid results
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F used for?
-
It measures the heat flow rate per hour through one square foot for each degree Fahrenheit difference, commonly used to specify U-values in imperial units for building components.
-
Why convert to CHU/hour/square foot/°C?
-
Converting to CHU/hour/square foot/°C helps compare thermal performance across different unit systems and supports international building standards and HVAC calculations.
-
Is the conversion formula complex?
-
No, the conversion uses a one-to-one rate: 1 Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F equals 1 CHU/hour/square foot/°C.
Key Terminology
-
Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F
-
A heat transfer coefficient measuring the heat flow per hour through one square foot of area for each degree Fahrenheit difference, used in imperial units.
-
CHU/hour/square foot/°C
-
A heat transfer coefficient expressed in CHU per hour per square foot per degree Celsius, quantifying steady-state heat flow across a surface.
-
U-value
-
The overall heat transfer coefficient indicating thermal performance of building components such as walls and windows.