KW to BTU Calculator
Convert Power Units
Convert between kilowatts (electrical power) and BTU/hour (thermal energy) units. This calculator is essential for HVAC equipment sizing, energy audits, and comparing electrical vs thermal consumption.
How KW to BTU Calculator Works
Kilowatts measure electrical power consumption, while BTUs (British Thermal Units) measure thermal energy. Understanding the relationship between these units is crucial for proper equipment sizing and energy calculations.
Conversion Factors
1 Kilowatt = 3,412 BTU/hour
1 BTU/hour = 0.000293 Kilowatts
1 Refrigeration Ton = 3.517 Kilowatts
1 Horsepower = 0.746 Kilowatts
Common Applications
- HVAC Systems: Sizing air conditioning and heating equipment
- Industrial Equipment: Calculating power requirements for motors, heaters, and compressors
- Energy Audits: Comparing electrical consumption vs thermal output
- Equipment Sizing: Matching electrical capacity to thermal load requirements
- Energy Efficiency: Calculating coefficient of performance (COP) for heat pumps
Power Units Explained
- Kilowatt (kW): 1,000 watts of electrical power
- BTU/hour: British thermal unit per hour (thermal power)
- Horsepower (hp): Traditional unit of power (746 watts)
- Refrigeration Ton: 12,000 BTU/hour cooling capacity
- Watt: Basic SI unit of power (1 joule per second)
Practical Examples
- A 5 kW electric heater produces 17,060 BTU/hour of heat
- A 3-ton air conditioning unit uses approximately 10.5 kW of power
- A 1 horsepower motor consumes about 0.746 kW
- A 24,000 BTU/hour furnace is equivalent to about 7 kW
Cite this page as:
Daniel, P. KW to BTU Calculator. Available at: https://constructioncalculators.com/kw-to-btu-calculator/. Accessed: October 25, 2026.