How many BTUs are required to heat 1 gallon of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit?

The correct answer is based on the relationship between water's weight and the energy required to heat it. It takes 8.33 BTUs to raise the temperature of one gallon of water by one degree Fahrenheit. This figure comes from the fact that one gallon of water weighs approximately 8.33 pounds, and it requires one BTU to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Therefore, for a gallon, which contains 8.33 pounds of water, you multiply the weight by the BTUs required per pound.

This principle is essential for pool operators and anyone involved in heating water systems, as it helps determine how much energy must be input into the system to achieve desired temperature changes. Understanding these calculations is vital for effective and efficient heating system management.