Forum Discussion

brulaz's avatar
brulaz
Explorer
Sep 25, 2016

BTU versus watts, Propane versus electrical heaters

We've got a 1500 W electric heater that works pretty well. I guess that's the MAX wattage, and we often run it at a lower rating. Would like to get a propane heater that would heat similarly. Lit...
mike-s's avatar
mike-s
Explorer
Sep 25, 2016
BTU is the old measure of energy. Joule is the comparable SI unit. Watts are the SI unit for the rate energy is delivered, joules/second. BTU/hr is the comparable British measure.

When they say a heater is "x BTU," they really mean BTU/hr. Saying a heater is "x BTU" really makes no sense, since it depends on how long you run it.

1 watt is ~3.4 BTU/hr.

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