What formula do you use to calculate the airflow required to cool a space?

The formula for calculating the airflow required to cool a space is derived from the principles of thermodynamics and HVAC calculations. The correct formula states that airflow equals the cooling load divided by the product of 1.08 and the temperature difference (ΔT) between the space being conditioned and the supply air temperature.

The cooling load represents the amount of heat energy that needs to be removed from the space to maintain a desired temperature. In this context, 1.08 is a constant that incorporates both the specific heat of air (which measures the amount of heat required to change the temperature of a given mass of air) and the density of air, converting the load expressed in BTUs (British Thermal Units) to cubic feet per minute (CFM), which is a measure of airflow.

ΔT represents the difference in temperature between the return air and the supply air. This is a crucial part of the calculation, as it helps to determine how effectively the system can cool the air entering the space.

By rearranging the components in the formula as described, one can effectively determine the necessary airflow to meet the cooling demands of the space, ensuring comfort and efficiency in the HVAC system.