Understanding BTU and “Horsepower” (匹) in Air Conditioners: What Does 18000 BTU Mean?
If you’re sourcing air conditioners from China, you’ve probably come across the term “匹” (Pī). But what does it mean, and how does it compare to BTU (British Thermal Unit)? In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences and conversions you need to know.
What Is BTU?
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It measures the amount of heat an air conditioner can remove from a room per hour. For example:
- 1 BTU = the energy needed to raise 1 pound of water by 1°F
- 9000 BTU/h = standard cooling capacity of a 1HP (1匹) unit
What Does “匹” Mean in China?
In China, air conditioners are commonly labeled by “匹”, which loosely represents horsepower (HP) of the compressor — but it doesn’t directly translate to mechanical horsepower.
Here’s a rough conversion table:
| Horsepower (匹) | BTU/h (Cooling Capacity) | Kilowatts (kW) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 匹 | ≈ 9000 BTU/h | ≈ 2.6 kW |
| 1.5 匹 | ≈ 12000–13500 BTU/h | ≈ 3.5–4 kW |
| 2 匹 | ≈ 18000 BTU/h | ≈ 5.2 kW |
| 3 匹 | ≈ 27000 BTU/h | ≈ 7.9 kW |
BTU to kW Conversion Formula
Need to convert BTU to kilowatts? Use this formula:
1 kW = 3412 BTU/h
Example: 18000 BTU/h ÷ 3412 ≈ 5.27 kW
Why It Matters for International Buyers
When sourcing air conditioners from Chinese suppliers, product descriptions often use “匹” instead of BTU. Without proper understanding, you might misjudge the cooling capacity.
Now you know: 18000 BTU ≈ 2匹 ≈ 5.27 kW
Conclusion
Understanding BTU and “匹” is essential when sourcing air conditioners from China. This simple conversion can help you avoid miscommunication and ensure you get the right unit for your market.
Need help sourcing air conditioners from reliable factories in China?
Contact SourcingXpro — your trusted sourcing partner with 10+ years of experience.
