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How To Calculate CFM Air Flow

CFM Formula:

\[ CFM = Area (ft²) \times Velocity (fpm) \]

ft²
ft/min

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1. What Is CFM Air Flow?

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is a measurement of airflow volume, indicating how many cubic feet of air pass by a stationary point in one minute. It's commonly used in HVAC systems, ventilation, and industrial applications to quantify air movement.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the CFM formula:

\[ CFM = Area (ft²) \times Velocity (fpm) \]

Where:

Explanation: This formula calculates the volume of air moving through a given area per minute, based on the speed of the airflow.

3. Importance Of CFM Calculation

Details: Accurate CFM calculation is essential for proper HVAC system design, ventilation requirements, industrial process control, and ensuring adequate air quality in enclosed spaces.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the cross-sectional area in square feet and air velocity in feet per minute. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good CFM for ventilation?
A: Recommended CFM varies by application: bathrooms 50-100 CFM, kitchens 100-150 CFM, whole-house ventilation depends on square footage.

Q2: How do I measure air velocity?
A: Use an anemometer to measure air speed at multiple points across the duct or opening, then calculate the average velocity.

Q3: What's the difference between CFM and ACH?
A: CFM measures airflow volume, while ACH (Air Changes per Hour) measures how many times the air in a room is replaced per hour.

Q4: Can CFM be converted to other units?
A: Yes, CFM can be converted to m³/h (multiply by 1.699) or L/s (multiply by 0.4719) for metric measurements.

Q5: Why is CFM important in HVAC systems?
A: Proper CFM ensures adequate heating/cooling distribution, maintains comfort levels, and prevents system inefficiencies or equipment damage.

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