What Is This Tool?
This converter transforms heat transfer coefficient values between CHU/hour/square foot/°C and Btu (th)/second/square foot/°F units. It helps quantify heat flow rates through surfaces for thermal performance analysis and HVAC load calculations using different measurement systems.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value of the heat transfer coefficient in CHU/hour/square foot/°C
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Choose the output unit as Btu (th)/second/square foot/°F
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Click convert to get the equivalent heat transfer coefficient
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Use the result for building envelope or HVAC system evaluations
Key Features
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Converts heat transfer coefficients between metric-based and imperial-based units
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Supports building envelope performance and HVAC load estimation needs
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Includes standard industry units relevant to thermal analysis
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Simple browser-based interface for quick conversions
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Provides worked examples for clarity
Examples
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Convert 5 CHU/hour/square foot/°C: equals 0.0013898185 Btu (th)/second/square foot/°F
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Convert 10 CHU/hour/square foot/°C: equals 0.002779637 Btu (th)/second/square foot/°F
Common Use Cases
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Comparing thermal performance of walls, windows, and roofs in building designs
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Estimating heat loss or gain for HVAC load calculations
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Sizing heating and cooling equipment in imperial units
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Assessing insulation and fenestration performance for code compliance
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Evaluating heat exchanger surface heat transfer rates
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure steady-state heat transfer conditions when applying conversions
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Be mindful of unit conventions and temperature scale differences
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Use the tool to switch between metric and imperial units for international projects
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Double-check input values for accuracy
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Consult detailed engineering methods for complex transient conditions
Limitations
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Applicable only under steady-state heat transfer conditions
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Does not account for transient or dynamic heat transfer behavior
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Care required due to differences in temperature scales and unit conventions
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Measurement variations and material properties may affect conversion accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why convert from CHU/hour/square foot/°C to Btu (th)/second/square foot/°F?
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This conversion allows users to work with different unit systems in building science and HVAC, facilitating compatibility with international standards and equipment specifications.
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Can this tool be used for transient heat transfer calculations?
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No, this tool assumes steady-state heat transfer conditions and is not designed for transient or dynamic scenarios.
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What industries benefit from using this converter?
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Building science, HVAC engineering, energy modeling, and thermal performance assessment professionals commonly use this converter.
Key Terminology
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Heat Transfer Coefficient
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A measure of heat flow rate through a surface per unit area per temperature difference.
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CHU/hour/square foot/°C
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Units expressing heat transfer coefficient using CHU per hour per square foot per degree Celsius.
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Btu (th)/second/square foot/°F
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Units expressing heat transfer coefficient as thermal Btu per second per square foot per degree Fahrenheit.
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Steady-State Heat Transfer
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Condition where heat transfer rate remains constant over time without changes in temperature gradients.