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HVAC made simple
HVAC CALCULATOR
BTU to kW & kW to BTU Calculator
Quickly convert HVAC heating or cooling capacity between BTU per hour (BTU/hr) and kilowatts (kW).
Choose Your Conversion
Select the unit you want to convert from.
BTU/hr
→
3.52
kW
12,000 BTU/hr equals approximately
3.52 kW
Entered Capacity
12,000 BTU/hr
Converted Capacity
3.52 kW
Conversion Factor
1 kW = 3,412.142 BTU/hr
Conversion Formula
BTU/hr ÷ 3,412.142 = kW
12,000 ÷ 3,412.142 = 3.52 kW
🏠 What Does This Mean for HVAC?
A heating or cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU/hr is approximately equivalent to 3.52 kW of thermal capacity. This conversion describes a rate of heat transfer and should not automatically be interpreted as the electrical power consumed by HVAC equipment.
Common HVAC Capacity Conversions
Quick reference for common residential HVAC capacities.
| BTU/hr | kW | Approx. Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 | 1.47 kW | 0.42 ton |
| 6,000 | 1.76 kW | 0.50 ton |
| 9,000 | 2.64 kW | 0.75 ton |
| 12,000 | 3.52 kW | 1.00 ton |
| 18,000 | 5.28 kW | 1.50 tons |
| 24,000 | 7.03 kW | 2.00 tons |
| 30,000 | 8.79 kW | 2.50 tons |
| 36,000 | 10.55 kW | 3.00 tons |
| 48,000 | 14.07 kW | 4.00 tons |
| 60,000 | 17.58 kW | 5.00 tons |
BTU/hr vs. kW: What’s the Difference?
BTU per hour and kilowatts can both describe a rate of heating or cooling. In U.S. HVAC specifications, equipment capacity is commonly expressed in BTU/hr, while kilowatts are frequently used internationally and for electrical measurements. Because both units can represent power, they can be converted directly when they refer to the same type of thermal capacity.
1 kW
≈
3,412.142 BTU/hr
1 BTU/hr
≈
0.000293071 kW
⚠️ Thermal Capacity Is Not Necessarily Electrical Consumption
If an air conditioner or heat pump is rated for 36,000 BTU/hr of cooling, converting that capacity gives about 10.55 kW of thermal capacity. That does not mean the equipment consumes 10.55 kW of electricity. Electrical input depends on the equipment’s efficiency and operating conditions. This calculator converts equivalent units of capacity; it does not calculate HVAC electrical consumption.
Important:
This calculator is provided for educational and informational
purposes. It converts heating or cooling capacity using
1 kW ≈ 3,412.142 BTU/hr. Actual HVAC equipment performance,
electrical consumption, efficiency, and delivered capacity
vary with equipment design, operating conditions, climate,
installation, and other factors. Verify manufacturer
specifications and consult a qualified HVAC professional
when selecting or sizing equipment.