Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Liquid Line • Subcooling • Psychrometrics

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)

Term from Air Conditioning Services industry explained for recruiters

CFM, or Cubic Feet per Minute, is a basic measurement that HVAC technicians use to describe how much air moves through air conditioning and heating systems. Think of it like measuring how many gallons of water flow through a pipe, but for air instead. This measurement helps technicians determine if an AC system is working correctly and if it's the right size for a building. When looking at resumes, you might see this term used to show that a candidate understands airflow measurements and can properly size and troubleshoot HVAC systems. It's as fundamental to HVAC work as measuring blood pressure is to healthcare.

Examples in Resumes

Diagnosed and corrected CFM issues in commercial air handling units serving 50,000 sq ft office building

Performed Cubic Feet per Minute calculations to properly size HVAC systems for residential installations

Optimized CFM airflow in hospital ventilation systems to meet medical facility standards

Typical job title: "HVAC Technicians"

Also try searching for:

HVAC Technician Air Conditioning Specialist HVAC Service Technician HVAC Installer Air Systems Technician Ventilation Technician Climate Control Technician

Where to Find HVAC Technicians

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you determine if a building's HVAC system has adequate CFM for its size?

Expected Answer: A senior technician should explain the standard calculation of 400 CFM per ton of cooling, and mention factors like building size, occupancy, and intended use. They should also discuss how to measure and verify actual airflow using tools like flow hoods or anemometers.

Q: What problems can incorrect CFM cause in an HVAC system?

Expected Answer: They should explain how low CFM can cause frozen coils and poor cooling, while high CFM can lead to excessive noise and energy waste. Should mention impact on comfort, energy bills, and system longevity.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you measure CFM in an existing system?

Expected Answer: Should describe using tools like flow hoods, anemometers, or traverse methods. Should mention the importance of taking multiple measurements and checking against manufacturer specifications.

Q: What adjustments can you make to improve CFM?

Expected Answer: Should discuss checking and cleaning filters, adjusting fan speeds, cleaning ductwork, and verifying damper positions. Should mention when duct modifications might be necessary.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What does CFM mean and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should explain that CFM means Cubic Feet per Minute and represents air flow volume. Should understand that proper CFM is essential for system performance and comfort.

Q: What are common causes of low CFM?

Expected Answer: Should identify basic issues like dirty filters, blocked vents, or closed dampers. Should understand when to alert senior technicians about more complex problems.