Common HVAC Formulas
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Common HVAC Formulas
This course is part of HVAC: Your First Step Specialization
Instructor: Interplay Learning
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What you'll learn
The process and steps for measuring gas consumption and the timing method.
How to calculate the CFM for a gas furnace using the temperature rise method.
How to apply the CFM formula to determine the CFM for an electric furnace.
Details to know
June 2026
8 assignments
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There are 6 modules in this course
This course introduces essential HVAC formulas that technicians use to design, troubleshoot, and optimize heating and cooling systems. Learners will build practical skills by working through real-world calculations, including how to clock a gas meter for accurate fuel consumption, determine airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and interpret psychrometric charts to analyze total heat conditions. The course also covers how to calculate sensible and latent heat, along with understanding moisture removal in air systems.
By completing this course, learners will gain confidence in applying critical formulas on the job, leading to more precise diagnostics, improved system performance, and better customer outcomes.
This lesson provides HVAC technicians with a step-by-step guide to the "timing method" for measuring gas consumption. Technicians will learn how to isolate a single appliance, time the rotation of the gas meter service dial, and apply specific formulas based on dial size. The lesson concludes by demonstrating how to translate these readings into BTUs, a critical skill for equipment sizing and performance verification in the field.
What's included
2 videos1 assignment
2 videosβ’Total 5 minutes
- Introductionβ’1 minute
- Clocking a Gas Meterβ’4 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 5 minutes
- Knowledge Check: Clocking a Gas Meterβ’5 minutes
This module provides a comprehensive guide for HVAC technicians to accurately measure and calculate air volume (CFM) using the temperature rise method. Learners will explore why gas furnaces require efficiency adjustments due to flue losses, while electric furnaces utilize a direct one-to-one energy conversion based on Ohm's Law. Through detailed step-by-step examples, the lessons demonstrate how to integrate temperature differences, gas meter timing, and electrical measurements to ensure optimal system performance and safety.
What's included
2 videos2 assignments
2 videosβ’Total 10 minutes
- CFM for a Gas Unitβ’5 minutes
- CFM for an Electric Unitβ’5 minutes
2 assignmentsβ’Total 10 minutes
- Knowledge Check: CFM for a Gas Unitβ’5 minutes
- Knowledge Check: CFM for an Electric Unitβ’5 minutes
This module explores the critical role of enthalpy and psychrometrics in determining the total heat load of an air conditioning system. Technicians will learn how to use a psychrometric chart to identify energy content in BTUs and calculate the "Delta H" between return and supply air. The content also details the mathematical relationship between air volume (CFM) and the weight of air, providing a standardized method for optimizing system design and cooling efficiency.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 videoβ’Total 5 minutes
- Total Heatβ’5 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 5 minutes
- Knowledge Check: Total Heatβ’5 minutes
This module provides a comprehensive guide on calculating sensible heat within HVAC systems, specifically focusing on air passing across a furnace heat exchanger. Learners will explore the step-by-step application of the sensible heat formula using CFM, the standard air constant (1.08), and the calculation of Delta T. By the end of the module, technicians will understand how these calculations serve as a foundational skill for improving energy efficiency and system reliability.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 videoβ’Total 3 minutes
- Sensible Heatβ’3 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 5 minutes
- Knowledge Check: Sensible Heatβ’5 minutes
This module focuses on the critical role of latent heat and dehumidification within HVAC systems. Learners will master two primary calculation methodsβone utilizing the relationship between total and sensible heat, and the other involving Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) and psychrometric data. Additionally, the module covers the conversion of liquid water extraction into energy values (BTUs) to assist in the precise sizing of dehumidifiers and air conditioning units for both residential and commercial applications.
What's included
2 videos2 assignments
2 videosβ’Total 9 minutes
- Latent Heatβ’5 minutes
- Latent Heat Removalβ’4 minutes
2 assignmentsβ’Total 10 minutes
- Knowledge Check: Latent Heatβ’5 minutes
- Knowledge Check: Latent Heat Removalβ’5 minutes
This final knowledge check is designed to reinforce key concepts from the lesson and assess your understanding. Youβll apply what youβve learned through a series of multiple choice questions, helping ensure youβre confident and ready to move forward.
What's included
1 assignment
1 assignmentβ’Total 30 minutes
- Final Knowledge Checkβ’30 minutes
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