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Do you wonder why you have hot or cold spots in your home? Does your HVAC system have weak airflow? Is warm air blowing when the air conditioning is on? Do you feel unequal air pressure in your home? These common airflow problems can be remedied by calculating CFM. Why do some of these things happen? Common causes of airflow problems include leaking air ducts, clogged air filters, blocked vents, and dirty coils. These are all things an HVAC professional can fix to improve airflow in your home. So, what is CFM in HVAC?
What is CFM in HVAC?
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It measures the volume of air that moves through a ventilation system in one minute. CFM is a critical metric for calculating the size and capacity of an HVAC system.1 Having too much or too little airflow can be uncomfortable and harm your HVAC duct system. The correct CFM will ensure a structure has clean air and the room is at a consistent temperature.
What is a Good CFM?
This depends on many factors, including the size of the home, the amount of airflow needed, and whether the structure has central heat and air. An average HVAC system can produce 400 CFM per ton.(1)
CFM vs ACH
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CFM directly correlates to the ACH or air changes per hour, a metric of the air exchange rate. This measurement calculates how many times the air in the structure is recirculated each hour. The higher the ACH, the better the air quality.(2)
CFM Calculation Formula in HVAC
HVAC professionals can use the following CFM calculation formula to calculate the necessary CFM. The formula is as follows:
CFM = Room Area (sq ft) x Ceiling Height (ft) x ACH / 60 mins
HVAC CFM Chart
Do you want a visual chart representing the air volume and comparable duct height? Learn more about CFM and duct airflow in this HVAC CFM Chart.(3)
HVAC CFM Meter
If you are an avid DIYer or an HVAC professional, you can find an HVAC CFM meter that can tell you about the current airflow in your home. This tool is a CFM Meter or Anemometer.(4) An airflow meter can range anywhere from $40 to $1,000, depending on the complexity of the instrument.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know more about CFM in HVAC and the formula for CFM, it is time to learn more about The Refrigeration School (RSI) and the Refrigeration Technologies Training Program. If you have 6 months to complete the HVAC training, you can start an entry-level role in HVAC after graduation. Did you know that we offer morning, afternoon, and evening classes? Plus, we incorporate real-world training with a hands-on curriculum. Before you know it, you will have a vast HVAC knowledge and skillset to help you start a lifelong career as an HVAC technician.
Want To Learn More?
Ready to start your new career at one of the best HVAC schools in Phoenix? Because HVAC is a hands-on job, technical training is typically required for anyone to enter this field. Many people invest in a trade program to learn the trade skills they need to be safe and effective as professionals. To learn more about our HVAC program offered at the Phoenix, AZ campus, contact us at The Refrigeration School or call 1-888-671-5803.
1) https://www.americanstandardair.com/resources/glossary/cfm/
2) https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/glossary/cfm-meaning/
3) https://www.hamiltonhomeproducts.com/vb/Repository/InstallationManuals_PartsLists/Ductwork/Duct%20Sizing%20Chart.pdf
4) https://www.toolexperts.com/en/anemometer-cfm-meters/
