What Is This Tool?
This online converter allows you to convert heat transfer coefficient values from kilocalorie (IT) per hour per square meter per degree Celsius to CHU per hour per square foot per degree Celsius. It helps in comparing thermal performance metrics between metric and imperial units commonly used in building and HVAC applications.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the heat transfer coefficient value in kilocalorie (IT)/hour/m²/°C.
-
Select the output unit as CHU/hour/ft²/°C.
-
Click convert to see the equivalent value in CHU/hour/square foot/°C.
-
Use the converted value for building envelope design, HVAC calculations, or insulation assessments.
Key Features
-
Converts heat transfer coefficients between kilocalorie (IT)/hour/m²/°C and CHU/hour/ft²/°C.
-
Supports building thermal performance and energy modeling needs.
-
Facilitates comparison of insulation and heat exchanger performances in different unit systems.
-
Easy-to-use browser-based interface for quick conversions.
Examples
-
Convert 5 kilocalorie (IT)/hour/m²/°C: 5 × 0.2048161436 = 1.024080718 CHU/hour/ft²/°C.
-
Convert 10 kilocalorie (IT)/hour/m²/°C: 10 × 0.2048161436 = 2.048161436 CHU/hour/ft²/°C.
Common Use Cases
-
Comparing building wall, roof, and window U-values in metric and imperial units.
-
Calculating HVAC loads and estimating steady heat loss or gain.
-
Assessing insulation or fenestration performance for retrofit projects and compliance with building codes.
Tips & Best Practices
-
Always verify the unit system before entering values to ensure accurate conversion.
-
Be mindful of temperature units and area measurements during calculations.
-
Use this conversion for steady-state heat flow conditions as defined by the standards.
-
Double-check results when performing critical design evaluations involving multiple unit systems.
Limitations
-
Conversion accuracy depends on consistent measurement protocols and steady-state assumptions.
-
Be cautious with potential rounding errors and measurement precision differences between unit systems.
-
Temperature scale differences (°C vs °F) and area unit variations must be managed carefully to avoid confusion.
-
The tool does not account for transient heat flow or dynamic thermal conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Why is it important to convert heat transfer coefficients between these units?
-
Because building and HVAC designs use both metric and imperial units globally, converting between kilocalorie (IT)/hour/m²/°C and CHU/hour/ft²/°C ensures consistent thermal performance comparisons and compliance with regional standards.
-
Can I use this conversion for non-steady-state heat flow?
-
No, this conversion specifically applies to steady-state heat flow conditions and assumes consistent measurement protocols.
-
What should I watch out for when converting these units?
-
Pay attention to differences in temperature scale usage and area units, as well as rounding and measurement precision, to avoid mistakes in calculations.
Key Terminology
-
Kilocalorie (IT)/hour/square meter/°C
-
A unit representing steady heat flow per square meter of material per degree Celsius temperature difference using kilocalories (International Table) per hour.
-
CHU/hour/square foot/°C
-
A heat transfer coefficient unit quantifying steady-state heat flow per square foot of surface area per degree Celsius temperature difference.
-
Heat Transfer Coefficient (U-value)
-
A measure of heat transferred per unit area per unit temperature difference, indicating the thermal performance of building components.