What is the required CFM for an A/C system per ton?

The required airflow for an air conditioning system is typically measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per ton of cooling capacity. For residential systems, a standard guideline is to provide around 400 CFM per ton. This value ensures that the system can deliver adequate cooling while maintaining efficient operation.

When an air conditioning system is rated at one ton, it means that it can remove 12,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) of heat from the space per hour. To effectively manage and circulate this amount of cooled air, 400 CFM is recognized as the optimal airflow rate. This helps to maintain comfort levels and ensures that the evaporator coil operates within its designed parameters to avoid issues such as freezing or insufficient cooling.

Using this 400 CFM benchmark also assists in calculating duct sizes, addressing system pressure drops, and ensuring balanced airflow throughout the entire conditioned space. Therefore, the understanding of airflow requirements is essential for the design and functioning of effective and efficient residential air conditioning systems.