CFH to BTU/h Conversion Calculator
Convert Cubic Feet per Hour (CFH) of natural gas to BTU per hour (BTU/h) instantly. Useful for energy engineers, HVAC professionals, and gas system designers.
CFH to BTU/h: Understanding the Conversion
What is CFH?
CFH (Cubic Feet per Hour) measures gas volume flow. It represents the amount of gas, in cubic feet, that flows through a system every hour. This unit is often used in HVAC and plumbing industries, particularly when working with natural gas or propane systems.
What is BTU/h?
BTU/h, or British Thermal Units per hour, is a unit of power. It quantifies the rate at which thermal energy is transferred or consumed. Commonly used in North America, this unit is essential in heating and cooling calculations.
Why Convert CFH to BTU/h?
Natural gas appliances often list their energy needs in BTU/h, while gas flow is measured in CFH. Converting CFH to BTU/h allows for proper appliance sizing, pipeline design, and fuel usage estimation. This is especially important for ensuring safety and performance in HVAC and plumbing systems.
CFH to BTU/h Conversion Formula
The conversion depends on the energy content of the gas being used. For natural gas, a common higher heating value (HHV) used in the U.S. is:
- 1 cubic foot of natural gas ≈ 1,020 BTU
Thus, the conversion formula is:
- BTU/h = CFH × 1,020
Example Calculations
| CFH | BTU/h (Using 1,020 BTU/ft³) |
|---|---|
| 10 | 10,200 |
| 50 | 51,000 |
| 100 | 102,000 |
| 250 | 255,000 |
| 500 | 510,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1,020 BTU per cubic foot accurate everywhere?
Not always. The heating value of natural gas varies by region and gas composition. While 1,020 BTU/ft³ is standard in many areas, actual values may range from 950 to 1,100 BTU/ft³. Always check with your local gas provider for the most accurate number.
How does this impact gas piping?
When sizing gas piping, the required BTU/h helps determine the correct pipe size. Knowing CFH and converting it to BTU/h ensures compatibility with appliance requirements and avoids pressure drop issues.
Can this be used for propane?
No. Propane has a significantly higher energy content (~2,516 BTU per cubic foot). For propane conversions, use a dedicated calculator or modify the multiplier accordingly.
Is CFH used outside the U.S.?
In countries using the metric system, cubic meters per hour (m³/h) is more common. CFH is standard in the U.S., Canada, and a few other countries using imperial units.
Can I reverse this conversion?
Yes. To convert from BTU/h back to CFH, divide by the heating value of the gas. For example: CFH = BTU/h ÷ 1,020.