BTU

BTU

British Thermal Unit.

One BTU is defined as the energy required to increase the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

BTUs are typically used to rate air conditioners (and some heaters). To convert from BTUs to KWs: use 1 watt = 3.4129BTUs. This means that for typical air-conditioners:

BTUs	approx watt equivalent
6000	1.8KW
8000	2.3KW

For air conditioners (AC) the typical power consumption will be less than half their cooling rating.

As a guide: 1 person approximates to 500 BTU and likewise one PC approximates to 500 BTU.