What is the BTU/h to kW conversion factor?

1 BTU/hour equals exactly 0.00029307107 kilowatts (kW). Equivalently, 1 kW = 3,412.14 BTU/h. The factor derives from 1 BTU = 1,055.06 joules, divided by 3,600 seconds per hour, then divided by 1,000 to get kW.

How many kW is a 12,000 BTU air conditioner?

A 12,000 BTU/h air conditioner equals approximately 3.516 kW. This size is also called a "1-ton" unit, since 1 ton of refrigeration = 12,000 BTU/h = 3.517 kW.

Is BTU/h the same as BTU?

No. BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a unit of energy; BTU/hour is a unit of power (energy per unit time). HVAC equipment ratings are always BTU/hour, even when labeled simply as "BTU."

How do I convert kW back to BTU/h?

Multiply kilowatts by 3,412.14. For example, 5 kW × 3,412.14 = 17,061 BTU/h. This converter goes BTU/h → kW; use the kilowatt-to-BTU/h tool for the reverse.

Why is BTU/h still common in HVAC while most countries use kW?

BTU/h is the traditional power unit in the US and Canada for heating and cooling. Most of the rest of the world rates HVAC equipment in kW. Both measure power; the BTU/h value is simply about 3,412 times the kW value.

BTU per Hour to Kilowatts Converter

Name: BTU per Hour to Kilowatts Converter
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter a BTU/hour value to instantly get the equivalent power in kilowatts.

BTU/hour to Kilowatts

BTU per hour (BTU/h)

Conversion formula

kW = BTU/h × 0.00029307107

Inverse: BTU/h = kW × 3,412.14

Common BTU/h Ratings

BTU/h	kW	Watts	Typical use

Summary