Heat Rate Converter
Instantly convert heat rate with our free converter. See conversion tables, formulas, and step-by-step explanations. Includes formulas and worked examples.
Reviewed for accuracy by Manoj Kumar, Mathematics Educator
Heat Rate Converter
Calculator
Adjust values & calculateEnter your values below. Every result is computed in your browser — no data is sent to any server.
Formula: Converted Value = Input Value x (From Unit Factor / To Unit Factor)
Worked example — 36,000 BTU/h = 10.55 kW = 3.0 TR
Formula
Converted Value = Input Value x (From Unit Factor / To Unit Factor)
Heat rate conversion uses watts as the base unit. Each unit has a known factor relative to watts. For instance, 1 BTU/h = 0.29307 W and 1 ton of refrigeration = 3,516.853 W. To convert, multiply the input by its factor to get watts, then divide by the target unit factor to get the result.
Worked Examples
Example 1: HVAC System Conversion
Problem:An air conditioning unit is rated at 36,000 BTU/h. Convert to kilowatts and tons of refrigeration.
Solution:To kW: 36,000 BTU/h x 0.29307107 W per BTU/h = 10,550.6 W = 10.55 kW To TR: 36,000 / 12,000 = 3.0 tons of refrigeration
Result:36,000 BTU/h = 10.55 kW = 3.0 TR
Example 2: Boiler Rating Conversion
Problem:A steam boiler is rated at 5 boiler horsepower. What is this in kW and BTU/h?
Solution:To watts: 5 x 9,809.5 = 49,047.5 W = 49.05 kW To BTU/h: 49,047.5 / 0.29307107 = 167,375 BTU/h Alternatively: 5 x 33,475 = 167,375 BTU/h
Result:5 boiler HP = 49.05 kW = 167,375 BTU/h
Frequently Asked Questions
What is heat rate and how is it measured?
Heat rate is the rate of thermal energy transfer per unit of time. It is essentially thermal power and is measured in watts (W) in the SI system. In HVAC and power generation, BTU per hour is commonly used. Heat rate in power plants specifically refers to the amount of fuel energy required to generate one kilowatt-hour of electricity, typically expressed as BTU/kWh. Lower heat rates indicate higher efficiency.
What is a ton of refrigeration?
A ton of refrigeration (TR) is a unit of heat rate used in HVAC and refrigeration industries. It equals the rate of heat transfer needed to melt one short ton (2,000 pounds) of ice at 0 degrees C in 24 hours. Numerically, 1 TR = 12,000 BTU/h = 3,516.853 watts = 3.517 kW. This unit originated in the ice harvesting industry and remains the standard for rating air conditioning system capacity in North America.
What is boiler horsepower?
Boiler horsepower is a unit of heat rate used to measure the output of steam boilers. One boiler horsepower equals 33,475 BTU/h or approximately 9,809.5 watts. It was originally defined as the power needed to evaporate 34.5 pounds of water per hour at 212 degrees F. Despite its name, boiler horsepower is roughly 13.15 times larger than mechanical horsepower. Modern usage has declined in favor of BTU/h or kW ratings.
References
Reviewed for accuracy by Manoj Kumar, Mathematics Educator · Editorial policy
Related Calculators
🧮Specific Heat Converter
Calculate specific heat converter with inputs, formulas, and instant results.
🧮Compound Interest Rate Converter
Calculate compound interest rate converter with inputs, formulas, and instant results.
🧮Currency Rate Converter
Calculate currency rate converter with inputs, formulas, and instant results.
🧮Discount Rate Converter
Calculate discount rate converter with inputs, formulas, and instant results.
🧮Age to Heart Rate Zone Converter
Calculate age to heart rate zone converter with inputs, formulas, and instant results.
🧮Basal Metabolic Rate Converter
Calculate basal metabolic rate converter with inputs, formulas, and instant results.
🧮Bit Rate to Baud Rate Converter
Calculate bit rate to baud rate converter with inputs, formulas, and instant results.
🧮Data Rate to Bandwidth Converter
Calculate data rate to bandwidth converter with inputs, formulas, and instant results.