What does the acronym "BTU" stand for?

The acronym "BTU" stands for British Thermal Unit, which is a standard unit of measurement used to quantify the amount of thermal energy. Specifically, one BTU is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit at a constant pressure. This measurement is widely used in heating, cooling, and energy sectors to describe the energy content of fuels and the energy output of heating systems.

The use of "British" in the term reflects its origin, as the unit was first adopted in the United Kingdom. Understanding BTUs is crucial for anyone working in fields related to HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), energy production, and various engineering disciplines, as it helps in assessing and comparing energy efficiency.