Superheat Calculator

Superheat Calculator calculator can be used to determine the superheat of a refrigerant in a HVAC system based on saturation temperature, pressure, and gas specific heat ratio.

Input Parameters

Calculation Results

Calculation Formula

Superheat = (Specific Heat Ratio × Pressure × 0.018) - Saturation Temperature

Where:
Superheat (°C): The temperature above the boiling point of the refrigerant
Specific Heat Ratio (Cp/Cv): The ratio of specific heat at constant pressure to specific heat at constant volume
Pressure (PSI): Absolute pressure of the refrigerant
Saturation Temperature (°C): Boiling point of the refrigerant at given pressure

Results

Superheat (°C): -
Superheat (°F): -

Superheat Calculator Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Superheat Calculator and its working principles in HVAC systems

What is Superheat?

Superheat is the difference between the actual temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator and its saturation temperature (boiling point) at the same pressure. It indicates how much the refrigerant is heated beyond its boiling point as it absorbs heat from the space being cooled.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the saturation temperature of your refrigerant at the operating pressure (°C).
  2. Input the absolute pressure of the refrigerant in PSI.
  3. Provide the specific heat ratio (Cp/Cv) of your refrigerant (typically between 1.2-1.4 for common refrigerants).
  4. Click the "Calculate" button to determine the superheat in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Interpreting Results

A proper superheat value typically ranges from 5-15°C (9-27°F) depending on the refrigerant type and system design. Too little superheat indicates inadequate refrigerant charge, while too much superheat suggests excessive subcooling or flow restriction.

Working Principle

This calculator uses a simplified formula that relates superheat to the refrigerant's specific heat ratio, operating pressure, and saturation temperature. The formula approximates how the refrigerant's properties affect its temperature rise beyond the boiling point.

Applications

This calculator is useful for:

  • HVAC system design and troubleshooting
  • Refrigerant charge verification
  • System performance analysis
  • Preventive maintenance planning