What Is This Tool?
This converter helps you change thermal conductivity measurements from Btu (IT) foot/hour/sq. foot/°F to Btu (IT) inch/hour/sq. foot/°F. It is designed for use in construction, building energy modeling, and HVAC system design to match unit preferences and material specifications.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the thermal conductivity value in Btu (IT) foot/hour/sq. foot/°F.
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Select the target unit as Btu (IT) inch/hour/sq. foot/°F.
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Perform the conversion to obtain the equivalent value in inch-based units.
Key Features
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Converts thermal conductivity between foot-based and inch-based Btu (IT) units.
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Supports common engineering units used in building and HVAC applications.
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Accurately follows defined conversion rates within the context of steady-state heat flow.
Examples
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2 Btu (IT) foot/hour/sq. foot/°F equals 24 Btu (IT) inch/hour/sq. foot/°F.
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0.5 Btu (IT) foot/hour/sq. foot/°F equals 6 Btu (IT) inch/hour/sq. foot/°F.
Common Use Cases
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Specifying thermal conductivity of insulation materials in product datasheets.
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Performing steady-state heat transfer calculations for building envelope components.
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Converting thermal properties to comply with North American building codes.
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure uniform material thickness when applying the conversion.
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Use this conversion during steady-state conduction analyses only.
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Verify unit preference to maintain consistency in engineering documentation.
Limitations
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Assumes steady-state heat flow and uniform thickness of materials.
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Not intended for transient heat transfer or non-homogeneous materials.
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Regional unit differences require careful conversion to avoid errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why convert from foot-based to inch-based Btu units?
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Inch-based units align with common insulation thicknesses and material specifications used in North American building practices.
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What is the conversion rate between these units?
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One Btu (IT) foot/hour/sq. foot/°F equals twelve Btu (IT) inch/hour/sq. foot/°F.
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Can this tool be used for transient heat transfer calculations?
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No, the conversion is valid only under steady-state heat flow conditions with uniform material thickness.
Key Terminology
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Btu (IT) foot/hour/sq. foot/°F
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A unit of thermal conductivity representing heat flow through a one-foot thick material with one square foot area for a 1°F temperature difference.
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Btu (IT) inch/hour/sq. foot/°F
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A thermal conductivity unit defining heat transfer through a one-inch thick section per square foot area for a one degree Fahrenheit temperature difference.
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Steady-State Heat Flow
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A condition where temperature and heat flow remain constant over time within a material.