What Is This Tool?
This tool converts heat transfer coefficients measured in CHU/hour/square foot/°C to the equivalent value in watt/square meter/°C. This conversion helps standardize U-values used for assessing heat flow through surfaces in building design and HVAC calculations.
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 source unit as CHU/hour/square foot/°C
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Choose the target unit watt/square meter/°C
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Click convert to get the equivalent value
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Use the result for thermal performance or energy assessments
Key Features
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Converts heat transfer coefficient units between CHU/hour/square foot/°C and watt/square meter/°C
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Provides a precise conversion rate based on recognized standards
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Supports analysis of building envelope thermal performance
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Facilitates energy modeling and HVAC load calculations
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Browser-based and easy to use without extra software
Examples
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2 CHU/hour/square foot/°C converts to approximately 11.36 watt/square meter/°C by multiplying 2 × 5.6782633411
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0.5 CHU/hour/square foot/°C converts to approximately 2.84 watt/square meter/°C by multiplying 0.5 × 5.6782633411
Common Use Cases
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Comparing U-values of walls, windows, and roofs for building envelope design
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Estimating heat loss and gain in HVAC system load and energy modeling
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Specifying insulation and fenestration performance for code compliance
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Assessing convective heat transfer from surfaces in mechanical applications
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Sizing heat exchangers and performing detailed HVAC heat-load calculations
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure values represent steady-state conditions for valid conversions
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Verify unit selections before conversion to avoid errors
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Use converted SI units for consistency in engineering and scientific work
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Be mindful of environmental factors that might affect heat transfer in practice
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Handle temperature differences in °C or K carefully since absolute values differ
Limitations
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Conversion assumes steady-state heat flow without phase changes
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Different measurement techniques or environments can impact accuracy
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Temperature units °C and K are equivalent for differences but differ for absolute values, affecting some calculations
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Conversion is unit-focused and does not address dynamic or transient heat transfer situations
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why convert CHU/hour/square foot/°C to watt/square meter/°C?
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Converting to watt/square meter/°C standardizes heat transfer coefficients into SI units widely used in engineering and allows consistent comparison and accurate analysis.
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Is temperature difference in °C the same as in K for this conversion?
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Yes, degrees Celsius and kelvin are equivalent units for temperature differences in heat transfer calculations.
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Can this conversion be used for transient heat transfer analysis?
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No, this conversion assumes steady-state conditions and does not apply to transient or phase change situations.
Key Terminology
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CHU/hour/square foot/°C
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A unit measuring heat transfer coefficient expressed as CHU per hour per square foot per degree Celsius, used to quantify steady-state heat flow rate per unit area per temperature difference.
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watt/square meter/°C
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An SI unit for heat transfer coefficient representing heat power per unit surface area per degree Celsius temperature difference, commonly used in engineering thermal analysis.
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U-value
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The overall heat transfer coefficient indicating the rate of heat flow through a building element per unit area and temperature difference.