What Is CFM and How Do You Calculate It For HVAC?
The functions of an HVAC system typically rely on airflow. However, HVAC units vary in size and capacity to meet your space's cooling and heating requirements. Therefore, you might need to measure the airflow volume to ensure optimum indoor comfort.
HVAC technicians use CFM to calculate airflow volume and determine your home's cooling requirements. As homeowners, you might know of your HVAC requirements that are in tons. Typically a 1200 CFM space will require 3-ton AC. You can do the maths if your requirements are higher or lower than this
What is CFM?
The amount of air that passes by a stationary place in one minute, or cubic feet per minute (CFM), is a measurement of airflow volume. Larger dwellings have higher CFMs because they can circulate more air. After all, there is more room for it to do so.
Why Is CFM Important?
To select the ideal HVAC system for your space and requirements, you must have a precise estimation of the CFM of your space. Otherwise, it may affect the performance of your system and reduce its lifespan due to capacity mismatch.
An underpowered HVAC system will also fail to maintain optimum indoor comfort, and you might experience hot and cold unventilated spots. Your system will also frequently switch on and off without completing the cycle. This also results in higher energy consumption and wastage.
How Is HVAC CFM Calculated?
To calculate CFM, you first must understand the heating and cooling load to determine the appropriate HVAC size for your space. For that, you must consider the ventilation spots, the size of your room, climatic conditions, and your preferred temperature level.
Besides, the air change rate also impacts the CFM requirements. The air change rate is the frequency of air change a room requires; a kitchen will require it after every three minutes while a living room will need it after every 10 minutes.
Calculate the volume (length x width x height) of your room and divide it with the change rate. The result will be the required CFM value your space needs. You can then convert it into tons to determine the size of your HVAC unit.
To determine the desired HVAC size for your space, you need to multiply the output metrics (tons) by 400. Now, divide it by the square footage of your home to get the CFM value.
How Can ProZone Air Conditioning and Heating Help You Get The Correct CFM Value and HVAC Size For Your Home
Getting the wrong HVAC size isn't only heavy on the pocket; it also means premature replacement due to constant wear and tear. This is why it is imperative to correctly calculate the CFM value of your space and get the right HVAC size. If you're still unsure how to do so, get help from a professional. Contact ProZone Air Conditioning and Heating today!
You can learn more on the most common AC problems in our Blog.
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