Btu And Cfm Calculator

BTU/h Formula:

\[ BTU/h = CFM \times 1.08 \times \Delta T \]

BTU/h (BTU per hour):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is the BTU/h Formula?

The BTU/h formula calculates the amount of heat energy transferred per hour based on airflow (CFM) and temperature difference. This is commonly used in HVAC systems to determine heating and cooling capacity requirements.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BTU/h formula:

\[ BTU/h = CFM \times 1.08 \times \Delta T \]

Where:

\( CFM \) — Cubic Feet per Minute (airflow rate)
\( \Delta T \) — Temperature Difference in °F
\( 1.08 \) — Conversion constant (accounts for air density and specific heat)

Explanation: The formula calculates the heat transfer rate by multiplying airflow volume by temperature difference and a conversion factor that incorporates the specific heat capacity of air.

3. Importance of BTU/h Calculation

Details: Accurate BTU/h calculation is essential for proper HVAC system sizing, energy efficiency analysis, and ensuring adequate heating or cooling capacity for residential and commercial spaces.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter CFM (airflow rate) and temperature difference in °F. Both values must be valid positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does the 1.08 constant represent?
A: The 1.08 constant accounts for the specific heat of air (0.24 BTU/lb-°F) and air density (0.075 lb/ft³), converted to hourly basis.

Q2: Can this formula be used for both heating and cooling?
A: Yes, the formula works for both heating (positive ΔT) and cooling (negative ΔT) applications, though cooling calculations often require additional factors for latent heat.

Q3: What are typical CFM values for residential systems?
A: Residential HVAC systems typically range from 400-2000 CFM depending on the size of the home and system capacity.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation for real-world applications?
A: This provides a good estimate for sensible heat transfer, but actual system design should consider additional factors like humidity, altitude, and system efficiency.

Q5: Can this be used for ventilation calculations?
A: Yes, this formula is commonly used to calculate heat loads from ventilation air in building energy analysis.