What Is This Tool?
This unit converter allows you to transform heat transfer coefficient values measured in Btu (International Table) per hour per square foot per degree Fahrenheit into kilocalorie (International Table) per hour per square meter per degree Celsius. It facilitates alignment between imperial and metric systems used in building and HVAC energy calculations.
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 original and target units for conversion.
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Click the convert button to obtain the equivalent value in kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square meter/°C.
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Use the result to support energy modeling and HVAC system sizing.
Key Features
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Converts heat transfer coefficients between imperial and metric units.
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Supports U-value specifications for building components such as windows, walls, and roofs.
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Expresses heat flow rate per unit area per temperature difference consistently.
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Browser-based tool that requires no installation.
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Suitable for engineers, architects, and energy professionals.
Examples
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2 Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F equals approximately 9.76 kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square meter/°C.
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0.5 Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F converts to around 2.44 kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square meter/°C.
Common Use Cases
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Specifying U-values for windows, walls, and roofs in compliance with energy codes.
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Calculating heating and cooling loads to size HVAC equipment accurately.
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Comparing thermal performance of insulation materials and building components in different unit systems.
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Ensuring consistency in regional or international energy efficiency assessments.
Tips & Best Practices
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Verify unit system preferences to maintain consistent reporting across projects.
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Consider steady-state heat transfer assumptions when using converted values.
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Use the converter for preliminary calculations and consult detailed analysis for transient conditions.
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Double-check temperature difference units and area units during conversion tasks.
Limitations
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Conversion involves different temperature units (°F vs °C) and area measurements (square foot vs square meter) requiring careful attention.
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The conversion applies primarily to steady-state heat transfer, not dynamic scenarios.
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Regional unit conventions may influence validation and acceptance of converted data.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F measure?
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It measures the rate of heat flow per hour through one square foot of area for each degree Fahrenheit of temperature difference, representing the overall heat transfer coefficient in imperial units.
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Why convert to kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square meter/°C?
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Converting to this metric unit helps align heat transfer coefficient metrics with regional standards, supporting international collaboration and consistent energy modeling.
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Can this tool be used for dynamic heat transfer calculations?
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No, this conversion assumes steady-state heat transfer conditions; dynamic or transient scenarios require specialized methods.
Key Terminology
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Heat Transfer Coefficient
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A measure of heat flow rate per unit area per unit temperature difference between two sides of a material.
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U-value
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Overall heat transfer coefficient used to describe insulation performance of building components.
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Btu (IT)
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British Thermal Unit based on International Table standards, a unit of heat energy.
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Kilocalorie (IT)
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A unit of heat energy from the International Table system, commonly used in metric heat transfer measurements.