My heat pump is rated 18,000 BTU/h cooling. How many kW is that for comparing to an EU-spec unit?

18,000 BTU/h × 0.000293 = 5.27 kW. An EU unit rated 5.3 kW is directly comparable.

A gas boiler produces 100,000 BTU/h. What kW electric boiler would match it?

100,000 BTU/h × 0.000293 = 29.3 kW. An electric boiler in the 30 kW range is the direct equivalent — though a heat pump delivering the same output would need only 8–10 kW of electrical input.

Is 1 kW = 3,412 BTU/h useful to memorize?

Yes — it's the fundamental BTU-to-watt bridge. A quick shortcut: 1 kW ≈ 3,400 BTU/h; 10 kW ≈ 34,000 BTU/h ≈ 2.8 tons of cooling.

My utility bill is in kWh. How does that relate to BTU/h for calculating heating costs?

BTU/h is power; kWh is energy. Multiply BTU/h by hours to get BTU of energy, then divide by 3,412 to get kWh. Example: 50,000 BTU/h × 2,000 hours ÷ 3,412 = 29,310 kWh per heating season.

BTU/hour to Kilowatts Converter

Enter a value to instantly convert between power units.

From

Precision4 dp

1 BTU/hour = 0.0003 Kilowatt

Key Formulas

Kilowatt → Horsepower (mech)

hp = kW × 1.34102

Horsepower (mech) → Kilowatt

kW = hp × 0.7457

Watt → Kilowatt

kW = W × 0.001

Kilowatt → Watt

W = kW × 1000

Formula

kW = BTU/h × 0.000293071

When comparing HVAC systems across North American and international markets, you often need to convert BTU/h to kW. Heat pump efficiency ratings (COP) are expressed using kW for both electrical input and thermal output, so converting the BTU/h capacity to kW is the first step. Energy auditors calculating annual heating costs also work in kW to match the electrical utility's billing unit.

Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8

Last reviewed: 2026-06-11 · see our methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

A 12,000 BTU/h (1 ton) air conditioner = 3.52 kW of cooling capacity — the standard unit for sizing mini-split systems in SI markets.

12000 BTU/h = 3.52 kW

A 36,000 BTU/h (3-ton) central AC = 10.55 kW — a common size for a 1,500–2,000 sq ft home in a warm climate.

36000 BTU/h = 10.55 kW

A residential gas furnace rated 80,000 BTU/h = 23.44 kW thermal output — used to size a comparable heat pump replacement.

80000 BTU/h = 23.44 kW

3,412 BTU/h = exactly 1 kW — the precise anchor point connecting BTU/h and SI kilowatts.

3412 BTU/h = 1 kW

kw to hp hp to kw watts to kw kw to watts mw to kw kw to mw

BTU/hour to Kilowatts Converter

Key Formulas

Formula

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

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