What Is This Tool?
This tool facilitates the conversion of heat transfer coefficient measurements from kilocalorie (IT) per hour per square foot per degree Celsius to kilocalorie (IT) per hour per square meter per degree Celsius. It helps users translate between imperial and metric units commonly used in HVAC, building energy assessments, and thermal performance calculations.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the heat transfer coefficient value in kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square foot/°C.
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Select the from-unit as kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square foot/°C.
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Select the to-unit as kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square meter/°C.
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Click convert to see the equivalent value in kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square meter/°C.
Key Features
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Converts heat transfer coefficients between imperial and metric area units.
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Supports values expressed in international-table kilocalories, hours, and Celsius degrees.
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Ideal for specifying U-values, sizing HVAC systems, and comparing thermal performance.
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Browser-based and easy to use with quick calculation results.
Examples
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Convert 2 kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square foot/°C to kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square meter/°C resulting in 21.5278208436.
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Convert 0.5 kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square foot/°C to kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square meter/°C resulting in 5.3819552109.
Common Use Cases
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Specifying overall heat transfer coefficients (U-values) for walls, roofs, and windows in building energy calculations.
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Sizing heating and cooling loads for HVAC equipment selection using imperial or metric units.
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Comparing convective heat transfer coefficients reported in different unit systems for experimental or empirical data.
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Reconciling legacy engineering data with regional or international standards.
Tips & Best Practices
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Verify consistent temperature scales and kilocalorie definitions when converting values.
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Use the tool to maintain unit consistency in reports and design documents.
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Cross-check converted values for critical engineering calculations to avoid errors from rounding.
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Consider conversion limitations when interpreting results for precise thermal performance evaluations.
Limitations
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Conversion assumes consistent temperature units and international-table kilocalorie definitions.
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Rounding in practical calculations may limit precision.
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Errors can occur if temperature scales or energy bases differ from the standard assumed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why do I need to convert heat transfer coefficient units?
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Converting these units helps align imperial and metric systems used in different regions or legacy data, ensuring accurate thermal performance calculations and HVAC sizing.
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What does kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square foot/°C measure?
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It quantifies the amount of heat flow per hour passing through a one square foot area for each degree Celsius temperature difference, using international-table kilocalories.
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Can I use this conversion for all temperature units?
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No, this conversion specifically assumes degrees Celsius and consistent kilocalorie definitions; using different temperature scales may result in inaccuracies.
Key Terminology
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Heat Transfer Coefficient
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A value expressing the steady heat flow per unit area per unit temperature difference through a material or surface.
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Kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square foot/°C
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An imperial unit measuring heat transfer coefficient in kilocalories per hour passing through one square foot per degree Celsius temperature difference.
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Kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square meter/°C
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A metric unit denoting heat transfer coefficient in kilocalories per hour passing through one square meter for each degree Celsius difference.
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U-value
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The overall heat transfer coefficient representing total heat loss or gain through building envelope components.