What is the minimum supply air in CFM per ton of cooling required for a domestic air conditioner?

For a domestic air conditioning system, the minimum supply air requirement is typically assessed based on the cooling capacity of the system, which is measured in tons. The standard guideline suggests that for effective temperature control and adequate humidity removal, a domestic air conditioning system should deliver approximately 400 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of supply air per ton of cooling capacity.

When each ton of cooling is designed to handle a specific thermal load, it's essential to have sufficient airflow to ensure efficient heat exchange. The 400 CFM per ton standard helps in balancing comfort and energy efficiency, as it allows enough air to pass over the evaporator coil, which in turn cools the air being circulated back into the living space.

Choosing a figure lower than 400 CFM might lead to insufficient air movement, resulting in poor cooling efficiency and potential humidity issues within the conditioned space, while opting for a higher airflow could unnecessarily increase energy consumption without significant benefit in cooling performance. Understanding this standard is fundamental for ensuring that the air conditioning system operates efficiently and effectively within residential settings.