In HVAC terminology, how does one ton of air conditioning relate to CFM?

In HVAC terminology, one ton of air conditioning is commonly associated with the ability to cool 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. To determine the air flow required for one ton of cooling, the industry standard is that approximately 400 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air flow is needed to adequately handle that cooling load.

The basis for this calculation comes from the understanding that cooling a space effectively depends on not just the cooling capacity, but also the volume of air being circulated. To maintain efficient cooling, the average guideline is that one ton of refrigeration will require around 400 CFM. This figure allows for a good balance in moving enough air to absorb the heat and distribute cool air effectively throughout the environment.

This understanding is crucial for HVAC professionals when designing systems, as it helps in selecting the appropriate size for air handlers, ductwork, and overall system performance to ensure efficient operation and comfort within a space.