Do You Fully Understand the Link Between CFM and HVAC?

CFM and HVAC are acronyms that go together to ensure a comfortable, healthy indoor home environment. CFM, short for “cubic feet per minute,” is a numeral that represents the volume of cooled or heated air circulating through ductwork in your house. HVAC stands for “heating, ventilation, and air conditioning,” the technology that maintains reliable indoor temperatures in all seasons.

The terms CFM and HVAC are part of a critical calculation that accurately determines optimal performance of system components. This process, known as sizing, ensures that the output of a furnace or air conditioner in cubic feet per minute — as well as other factors — are appropriate to the square footage of the house to produce reliable, efficient cooling and heating.

Why CFM and HVAC Matter

Accurate sizing is crucial to match the right HVAC unit to a specific home. Rough guesstimates aren’t good enough. Furnaces and air conditioners that are too small or too large for a specific house consume excess energy, cost more to operate, and tend to underperform when it comes to heating and cooling effectiveness.

Getting Size Right

The sizing calculation performed by a professional HVAC contractor involves a survey of the entire house. Industry-standard software known as Manual J is used to enter specific variables that impact the home’s cooling and heating load.

The survey quantifies specifics including total square footage; number of rooms; size, type and number of windows; the condition of ductwork; and the type and thickness of insulation installed. Other factors in the calculation include local climate and seasonal temperature variations, as well as hours of sun exposure.

The sizing software calculates the precise capacity and CFM required to accurately maintain a range of temperatures inside the home during both winter and summer. This data enables the HVAC contractor to suggest the furnace or air conditioner with the correct BTU capacity to support optimum indoor comfort and efficiency.

For additional facts about the connection between CFM and HVAC in optimizing heating and cooling for your home, contact the professionals at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.