What Is This Tool?
This converter transforms heat transfer coefficients from CHU/hour/square foot/°C to kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square foot/°C. It aids in converting steady-state heat flow rates through a surface by relating different units commonly used in HVAC and building energy analysis.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the heat transfer coefficient value in CHU/hour/square foot/°C.
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Select the target unit as kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square foot/°C.
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Initiate the conversion to obtain the equivalent heat transfer coefficient in kilocalorie (IT) units.
Key Features
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Converts heat transfer coefficients between CHU/hour/square foot/°C and kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square foot/°C.
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Utilizes a precise conversion rate based on international-table kilocalorie units.
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Supports thermal performance evaluation in building envelope design and HVAC applications.
Examples
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5 CHU/hour/square foot/°C converts to approximately 2.267961849 kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square foot/°C.
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10 CHU/hour/square foot/°C converts to approximately 4.535923698 kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square foot/°C.
Common Use Cases
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Comparing and specifying U-values for walls, roofs, and windows using kcal (IT) units.
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Performing HVAC load sizing and selecting equipment based on kilocalorie (IT)-based thermal performance data.
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Performing retrofit assessments and ensuring building code compliance with energy units favored in certain standards.
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure units correspond strictly to per hour, per square foot, and per degree Celsius for accurate conversion.
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Confirm the kilocalorie definition aligns with the international-table standard to avoid discrepancies.
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Use the converter as part of broader steady-state thermal analysis for building and HVAC applications.
Limitations
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Conversion applies only when time, area, and temperature units match exactly as per hour, per square foot, and per degree Celsius.
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Conversion accuracy depends on using consistent kilocalorie definitions (international table vs. thermochemical).
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Practical results may vary due to measurement uncertainties and assumptions in steady-state conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does CHU/hour/square foot/°C measure?
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It measures the heat transfer coefficient that quantifies heat flow rate through a surface area per degree Celsius temperature difference during steady-state conditions.
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Why convert CHU/hour/square foot/°C to kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square foot/°C?
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Converting to kilocalorie (IT) units allows for compatibility with standards, equipment, and calculations that specify energy flow in kcal units while retaining imperial area and Celsius temperature differences.
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Can I use this conversion if my temperature is in Fahrenheit?
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No, this conversion is specific to degrees Celsius; using different temperature units will affect accuracy and is outside the valid scope.
Key Terminology
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Heat Transfer Coefficient
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A measure quantifying the rate of heat flow through a surface per unit area per unit temperature difference under steady-state conditions.
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CHU/hour/square foot/°C
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A unit indicating heat transfer coefficient expressed in CHU per hour per square foot per degree Celsius.
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Kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square foot/°C
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A heat transfer coefficient unit using international-table kilocalories per hour per square foot per degree Celsius.
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U-value
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Overall heat transfer coefficient representing the steady-state rate of heat flow through building envelope surfaces.