What are common units for measuring airflow in HVAC systems?

In HVAC systems, the measurement of airflow is crucial for understanding the volume of air being moved through ductwork and ventilation systems. The standard unit for quantifying this airflow is CFM, which stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. This unit effectively indicates how many cubic feet of air are transported in one minute, allowing HVAC professionals to accurately assess the performance of heating and cooling systems, design proper duct sizes, and ensure optimal indoor air quality.

While other units such as GPM (Gallons Per Minute), which measures the flow of liquid, and L/s (Liters per Second), another fluid flow measurement, are important in different contexts, they do not apply to airflow measurement in HVAC. RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) relates to the rotational speed of machinery or fans but does not provide direct information about the volume of air moved. Therefore, CFM is the most relevant and widely used unit for measuring airflow in HVAC applications.