How many BTUs are equivalent to 1 watt?

The relationship between watts and BTUs is a key concept in heating and refrigeration calculations. One watt is equivalent to approximately 3.41 BTUs per hour. This means that for every watt of electrical power consumed, approximately 3.41 BTUs of thermal energy are produced in one hour. This conversion factor is essential for professionals in the refrigeration and HVAC fields, as it allows for the efficient design and evaluation of systems by interchanging between electrical power requirements and thermal energy outputs. Understanding this conversion is crucial when sizing equipment, conducting energy audits, or assessing heating and cooling loads.