1. What is the BTU Cost Per Hour Calculator?

The BTU Cost Per Hour Calculator estimates the hourly operating cost of heating or cooling systems based on their BTU/h rating and energy price. It helps in budgeting and comparing energy costs for different systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( BTU/h \) — British Thermal Units per hour (system capacity)
• \( Price \) — Energy price in dollars per million BTU ($/MMBTU)

Explanation: The formula converts the BTU/h consumption to cost per hour based on the energy price per million BTU.

3. Importance of BTU Cost Calculation

Details: Calculating BTU cost per hour helps in understanding operating expenses, comparing energy efficiency of different systems, and making informed decisions about heating/cooling investments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the system's BTU/h rating and the current energy price in $/MMBTU. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is MMBTU?
A: MMBTU stands for one million British Thermal Units, a standard unit for measuring large quantities of energy.

Q2: How do I find my energy price in $/MMBTU?
A: Check your energy bill or contact your utility provider. You may need to convert from other units like $/therm or $/kWh.

Q3: Does this calculation account for system efficiency?
A: No, this is a basic calculation that assumes 100% efficiency. For accurate results, adjust BTU/h input based on actual system efficiency.

Q4: Can I use this for both heating and cooling systems?
A: Yes, the calculation works for any system measured in BTU/h, whether it's a furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump.

Q5: Why divide by 1,000,000?
A: Because the price is per million BTU (MMBTU), so we divide by 1,000,000 to convert BTU to MMBTU.