How is airflow measured in an HVAC system?

In an HVAC system, airflow is typically measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). This unit provides a standardized way to quantify how much air is moving through the system over a specific period. Understanding airflow in CFM is crucial for HVAC professionals as it helps ensure systems are properly sized and designed to deliver the appropriate amount of conditioned air into spaces.

Using CFM allows for easy comparisons between different systems and components, as it relates directly to the efficiency and performance of HVAC equipment. Adequate airflow is essential for maintaining comfort levels, ensuring proper ventilation, and effectively operating heating and cooling systems.

Other units like Cubic meters per hour or Cubic inches per second are less common in standard HVAC applications and can be less practical for integrating into system performance measurements. Gallons per minute, on the other hand, pertains to fluid flow rates and is not applicable to measuring airflow in HVAC systems. This specificity to CFM highlights its importance and widespread adoption in the industry.