This tool is used to determine the appropriate airflow, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), required for a whole house fan to effectively cool a home. The calculation typically considers the square footage of the living space and desired air changes per hour (ACH). For instance, a 2,000-square-foot house aiming for 3 ACH would need a fan capable of moving 6,000 CFM.
Properly sizing a whole house fan, facilitated by the use of this calculation, leads to significant energy savings by reducing reliance on air conditioning. Historically, these fans provided a natural cooling solution before widespread adoption of air conditioning systems. Employing accurate airflow estimations ensures optimal performance and minimizes energy consumption.