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BTU Calculation Formula:
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The BTU (British Thermal Unit) calculation for water heaters determines the heating capacity required to raise the temperature of water by a specific amount in a given time period. It's essential for sizing water heaters appropriately for different applications.
The calculator uses the BTU formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the energy required to heat water, where one BTU is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Details: Accurate BTU calculation is crucial for selecting the right water heater size, ensuring efficient operation, meeting hot water demand, and optimizing energy consumption.
Tips: Enter the recovery rate in gallons per hour and the temperature difference in degrees Fahrenheit. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is recovery rate in water heating?
A: Recovery rate is the amount of water (in gallons) that a water heater can heat to a specified temperature in one hour.
Q2: Why is 8.33 used in the formula?
A: 8.33 represents the weight of one gallon of water in pounds, which is necessary for BTU calculations since BTU is defined per pound of water.
Q3: What is a typical ΔT for residential water heaters?
A: Typical temperature rise (ΔT) is around 70-90°F, raising incoming water from ground temperature (50-60°F) to usage temperature (120-140°F).
Q4: How does BTU relate to water heater performance?
A: Higher BTU ratings generally mean faster recovery times, allowing the water heater to supply more hot water during peak demand periods.
Q5: Can this calculation be used for all water heater types?
A: Yes, the BTU calculation applies to all water heater types (gas, electric, tankless), though efficiency factors may need to be considered for accurate sizing.