What Is This Tool?
This converter helps you change heat transfer coefficient units from Btu (thermochemical) per hour per square foot per degree Fahrenheit to Btu (International Table) in the same unit configuration. It is used widely in construction, building energy modeling, HVAC system design, and insulation performance assessments.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the value in Btu (th)/hour/square foot/°F you want to convert.
-
Select the units for input and ensure the output unit is set to Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F.
-
Click convert to view the equivalent heat transfer coefficient in Btu (IT).
-
Use the results for energy modeling, HVAC design, or insulation performance comparison.
Key Features
-
Converts heat transfer coefficient units between Btu (th) and Btu (IT) forms.
-
Supports calculations for building envelope thermal transmittance and HVAC load sizing.
-
Based on precise conversion rates without guesswork or approximations.
-
Browser-based and easy to use with clear input and output fields.
Examples
-
5 Btu (th)/hour/square foot/°F equals approximately 4.9967 Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F.
-
10 Btu (th)/hour/square foot/°F equals approximately 9.9933 Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F.
Common Use Cases
-
Specifying U‑values for building elements like walls, roofs, and windows to comply with energy codes and thermal envelope calculations.
-
Sizing and evaluating HVAC heat exchangers and radiators using imperial units.
-
Comparing insulation material performance and steady-state heat loss or gain through assemblies.
Tips & Best Practices
-
Always confirm the British thermal unit definition used in your project documentation to ensure consistent calculations.
-
Use the converter to reconcile differences in unit definitions for accurate thermal transmittance assessments.
-
Review conversions carefully when working on sensitive heat transfer analyses to avoid minor discrepancies.
-
Apply the tool for appropriate building and HVAC energy analysis tasks requiring imperial heat transfer coefficients.
Limitations
-
Slight differences between thermochemical and International Table British thermal unit definitions can affect precision.
-
Users must carefully match unit standards across engineering documents and codes to maintain accuracy.
-
The tool does not account for additional factors outside the specified conversion rate and formulas.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Why do I need to convert between Btu (th) and Btu (IT)?
-
Different definitions of the British thermal unit exist, and converting ensures consistent and accurate thermal transmittance calculations essential in building and HVAC designs.
-
Can this converter be used for HVAC equipment sizing?
-
Yes, it is suitable for calculating heating and cooling loads and assessing heat exchanger performance using imperial units.
-
Does the conversion affect insulation performance evaluation?
-
Yes, converting units allows precise comparison of insulation materials and assembled building components' thermal performance.
Key Terminology
-
Btu (th)/hour/square foot/°F
-
One British thermal unit per hour per square foot per degree Fahrenheit based on the thermochemical definition, representing heat transfer rate per area per temperature difference.
-
Btu (IT)/hour/square foot/°F
-
Heat flow rate in Btu (International Table) per hour per square foot per degree Fahrenheit, commonly used as the overall heat transfer coefficient in imperial units.
-
U‑value
-
A measure of thermal transmittance indicating the rate of heat transfer through a building element per unit area per degree temperature difference.