VENTILATION

Ventilating or ventilation (the V in HVAC) is the process of "exchanging" or replacing air in any
space to provide high quality which involves temperature control, oxygen replenishment, and
removal of moisture, odours, smoke, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, and carbon dioxide.
Ventilation removes unpleasant smells and excessive moisture, introduces outside air, keeps
interior building air circulating, and prevents stagnation of the interior air.
Ventilation includes both the exchange of air to the outside as well as circulation of air within the
building. It is one of the most important factors for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality in
buildings. Methods for ventilating a building may be divided into mechanical/forced
and natural types.[2]

To calculate room air changes, measure the supply airflow into a room, multiply the CFM
times 60 minutes per hour. Then divide by the volume of the room in cubic feet:

In plain English, were changing CFM into Cubic Feet per Hour (CFH). Then we
calculate the volume of the room by multiplying the room height times the width times
the length. Then we simply divide the CFH by the volume of the room.
Heres an example of how a full formula works:

Now, compare 7.5 air changes per hour to the required air changes for that type of room
on the Air Changes per Hour Table below. If its a lunch or break room that requires 7-8
air changes per hour, youre right on target. If its a bar that needs 15-20 air changes per
hour, its time to reconsider.

Room CFM Formula

Lets look at this engineering formula differently. For example, what if the airflow is
unknown and you need to calculate the required CFM for a room? Here is a four-step
process on how to calculate the room CFM:
Step One Use the above Air Changes per Hour Table to identify the required air
changes needed for the use of the room. Lets say its a conference room requiring 10
air changes per hour.
Step Two - Calculate the volume of the room (LxWxH).
Step Three - Multiply the volume of the room by the required room air changes.
Step Four Divide the answer by 60 minutes per Hour to find the required room CFM:

Heres an example of how to work the formula:

When designing or balancing a system requiring additional airflow for ventilation

purposes, remember this room will normally demand constant fan operation when
occupied. This may present a problem for other rooms on the same zone, so take that
into consideration.
Many of these rooms may require a significant amount of outdoor air. The BTU content
of this air has to be included in the heat gain or heat loss of the building when
determining the size of the heating and cooling equipment.

Procedure:
Measurements of area.
Measurement of CFM of that area
No. of occupants of area
Categorising of rooms
As per standards (ASHRAE) checking the air changes of area.
Reporting of study.
Proposed action to be taken.