Definition of "BTU"

British thermal unit-a unit of energy associated with the creation of heat. Prior to 1929, it was defined as the amount of heat required to raised the temperature of 1 pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit. In 1929, it was redefined as being equivalent to 251.996 calories, 778.26 ft-lb, or in electrical units, approximately one-third watt-hours. In the United States, the BTU is a standard measure of the heat-producing capabilities of various heating appliances, furnaces, and fuels.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

The word’s etymology reflects several diverse or seemingly unrelated topics under the same umbrella. As part of everyday discourse, you’ll find the term “omnibus” ...

Angle from north or south of a property. When a real estate appraiser does surveying, it is looked at clockwise from north. It may assist in determining the form or boundaries of land. ...

The total return from holding a real estate investment for the holding period of time. The computation follows: For a mutual fund investing in a real estate, the return is in the form ...

Something that is illegal. An example is an unenforceable debt because it has exceeded the statute of limitations. ...

Legal rule, principle, or tenet. ...

Eight-by-four sheet of material attached to a wall's studs. It can be made attractive by wallpapering or painting. ...

The process of upgrading unusable land through making physical improvements. For example, swamp land can be drained and filled in order to make it usable. Barren land can be reforested by ...

The basic definition of an acquisition loan is the kind of loan that gives a company the funds necessary to make a purchase. The type of investment depends on the company’s activity, ...

Exchange of products or property between individuals in which no cash is paid. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions