BTU to kWh Converter
Convert BTU (British Thermal Units) to kilowatt-hours for HVAC sizing, appliance energy consumption, and utility bill calculations. Includes watt-hours and therms.
⚡ Energy📐 kWh = BTU / 3,412.14
BTU
Time period
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Formula & Reference
| Variable | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BTU to kWh Converter | kWh = BTU / 3,412.14 | kilowatt-hours |
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1
12,000 BTU AC
12,000 BTU window AC to kW.
- 12,000 / 3,412 = 3.517 kW
- A 12,000 BTU (1-ton) AC uses 3.5 kW/hr
- Running 8 hrs/day = 3.517 x 8 = 28.1 kWh/day
✓ 3.52 kW / 28.1 kWh/8hrs
Example 2
Furnace Output
80,000 BTU/hr furnace to kW.
- 80,000 / 3,412 = 23.44 kW
- Gas furnaces are rated in BTU/hr; heat pumps in kW
✓ 23.44 kW equivalent
Example 3
Water Heater
100,000 BTU water heater per day.
- 100,000 / 3,412 = 29.3 kWh/day
- Gas water heater at $1.20/therm: 1 therm = 100,000 BTU
✓ 29.3 kWh / 1 therm per day
Real-World Applications
HVAC Sizing
Compare heating and cooling equipment capacities across BTU and kW ratings.
Energy Bills
Convert gas BTU consumption to kWh for utility bill comparison.
Appliances
Compare appliance energy use in BTU and kWh.
Home Energy Audit
Calculate total home energy needs across all fuel types in kWh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️
BTU/hr vs BTU
BTU/hr is a power rating (watts equivalent); BTU is an energy quantity (watt-hours equivalent). A 12,000 BTU/hr AC uses 12,000 BTU every hour. Ensure you use the right form for your calculation.
⚠️
Gas vs electric comparison
Gas appliances are rated in BTU/hr; electric in watts or kW. To compare: 1 kW = 3,412 BTU/hr. A gas furnace at 80,000 BTU/hr is equivalent to 23.4 kW heating capacity.
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Efficiency is not accounted for
An 80,000 BTU/hr furnace at 80% AFUE only delivers 64,000 BTU/hr of heat to your home. The conversion gives input BTU, not delivered BTU.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many BTU in a kWh? ▾
3,412.14 BTU per kWh. Conversely, 1 BTU = 0.0002931 kWh.
What is a BTU? ▾
A British Thermal Unit (BTU) is the amount of heat needed to raise 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. It is used primarily in HVAC, plumbing, and cooking equipment ratings in the US.
How many BTU is a ton of AC? ▾
1 ton of AC = 12,000 BTU/hr = 3.517 kW. The ton rating comes from the heat absorbed by melting 1 ton of ice over 24 hours.
What is a therm? ▾
1 therm = 100,000 BTU = 29.3 kWh. Natural gas bills are often in therms. 1 therm is approximately the energy in 100 cubic feet (CCF) of natural gas.
How do I compare gas and electric heating costs? ▾
Convert both to kWh equivalent. Gas at $1.20/therm = $1.20/29.3 kWh = $0.041/kWh equivalent. Electricity at $0.13/kWh is about 3x more expensive. A heat pump changes this equation with its COP efficiency.