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HVAC Sensible Air Load Calculator

Estimate sensible heating or cooling duty from airflow and temperature difference.

Updated September 2026

How it works

Estimate sensible heating or cooling duty from airflow and temperature difference.

Formula:
Q = ρ·cp·V̇·ΔT, airflow converted from m³/h to m³/s.

Before you use the result: Sensible load only; latent moisture load and system gains/losses may also govern.

Practical use

Use verified material data and project geometry. Treat results as planning estimates and compare them with the energy/thermal requirements that apply to the project.

Keep units consistent with the source information.
Use project-specific densities, pack sizes and coverage rates where provided.
Round purchasing quantities to supplier packaging and delivery rules.

How to use this calculator: HVAC Sensible Air Load Calculator

Estimate sensible heating or cooling duty from airflow and temperature difference.

Quick workflow

Enter the project values from the latest drawing, specification or verified site measurement.
Check units, material properties, allowances and any code- or supplier-specific parameters before calculating.
Review the result together with the formula, assumptions and the related checks shown on this page.

Worked example

Example inputs: Airflow [m³/h]: 5 000; Air temperature change ΔT [K]: 10; Air density [kg/m³]: 1.2; Air specific heat cp [kJ/kgK]: 1.005.

Using the sample values built into the calculator, the calculation gives approximately: Sensible HVAC duty: 16.75 kW.

What the result means

Calculation method: Q = ρ·cp·V̇·ΔT, airflow converted from m³/h to m³/s.

Before using the result: Sensible load only; latent moisture load and system gains/losses may also govern.

Common questions

What does this calculator do?

Estimate sensible heating or cooling duty from airflow and temperature difference.

Which inputs should I verify?

Key inputs to verify include: Airflow [m³/h], Air temperature change ΔT [K], Air density [kg/m³], Air specific heat cp [kJ/kgK].

Can I use this result for final design or ordering?

Use the result as a transparent planning or checking aid. Final design, code compliance, supplier selection and project-specific decisions still need to be verified where applicable. Sensible load only; latent moisture load and system gains/losses may also govern.

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