How many BTUs are there in one kilowatt-hour (kWh)?

One kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy commonly used in measuring electricity consumption. To understand how this relates to BTUs (British Thermal Units), it's important to know the conversion factor between these two units.

One kWh is equivalent to approximately 3,412 BTUs. This conversion is derived from the definition of a BTU, which is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

Since a kilowatt-hour represents the energy used when a power of one kilowatt is applied for one hour, converting this to BTUs involves recognizing that 1 kilowatt equals approximately 3,412 BTUs per hour.

Thus, the correct understanding centers on the standard conversion factor where 1 kWh consistently converts to 3,412 BTUs. This is a crucial concept in HVAC systems since energy consumption and efficiency ratings often involve converting between different energy units. Understanding this relationship aids professionals in evaluating system efficiency and energy costs.