Few things are more crucial than appropriate airflow regarding energy efficiency and the AC system. However, uneven airflow is inconvenient and can even increase power costs, particularly if the HVAC system has to work harder to maintain optimum temperatures in the affected areas. The advantages of proper airflow go beyond cost savings since it may help remove hazardous particles and stale smells, dramatically improving your home's air quality and keeping your family breathing cleaner and healthier indoor air overall.
The following are common signs of an uneven HVAC airflow:
- Uneven hot and cold spots in different areas of the home
- Weak airflow
- Unequal pressure
- AC is blowing warm air
The good news is that there are various things you can do to remedy it, some of which are relatively simple and others that are more involved. Here are the following ways or solutions to solve uneven airflow in the home:
1. Check that vents are unclogged or unobstructed.
Yes, it is absurdly basic and may appear too apparent, but there are several occasions when you discover - to your surprise - that a room's vents are obscured by furniture. Check that no blanket or clothing is blocking the vent, especially if you have children. Each vent requires around 18 inches of clearance around it to function correctly. So, ensure that every vent in your property, both supply (which pushes the necessary warm/cold air into the room) and return (which pulls old air into the HVAC system to be warmed/cooled), is clear and able to adequately circulate air.
2. Make certain that HVAC filters are clean or replaced.
You might be shocked at how much a clogged air filter can slow down your HVAC system. A filthy filter not only obstructs normal airflow but also introduces contaminants into the air and the HVAC system, reducing its capacity to adequately cool/heat your house. So, you must ensure that the filters in your HVAC system are cleaned or replaced regularly. Most systems require replacement every 3-6 months to maintain top function – and even more frequently if you have pets or smoke in your house.
3. Check if windows are sufficient.
This checklist is a little more demanding, but we're not suggesting that you replace your windows or frames. A certain room may also receive much more sunshine at various times of the year, which will undoubtedly warm that room faster than other rooms in your home. You must get it repaired if you have a visible crack or gap in your window. However, if there are no evident flaws, you may occasionally mitigate window inefficiencies by putting window coverings, such as blinds or curtains. These coverings will keep the sun's heat at bay while maintaining comfort levels comparable to the rest of your home's rooms.
4. Have a certified professional check your ductwork for signs of damage or leakage.
When there is an air leak in your duct system, the air intended for a certain destination seeps out before it reaches its destination. These duct leaks, holes, and tears will force your central air system to work harder to compensate for the lost air. And this, in turn, can cause even more issues. If you believe leaks lead to uneven cooling in your house, have a professional air duct technician evaluate your air ducts and provide the best air duct mold cleaning to remove any harmful contaminants.
5. Ensure the right size of HVAC units.
You were mistaken if you purchased a huge AC with the expectation that a larger unit would deliver more effective cooling. A unit that is larger than necessary has short cycles, which means it turns on and off often. These cause wear and tear, and your air conditioner will be unable to produce adequate airflow. Furthermore, it is never turned on long enough to eliminate extra moisture from your house.
Similarly, an undersized air conditioning or heating unit must work harder to cool your home or property, which can lead to component overheating, particularly the capacitor. Contact a trusted HVAC company to determine your home's correct HVAC unit size.
6. Replace the inadequate air duct size.
More than just the right air conditioner or furnace is required to properly cool or heat a whole house. It also implies that precision-measured ducting is required to produce comfortable air. If you have made any additions or modifications to your house, you may have inadequate air ducts. In rare situations, contractors mismeasure, resulting in ducts too large for your property. If the ducts are too tiny, they will not be able to transfer enough air to adequately adjust the temperature in your home. Low pressure inside the ducts will not drive enough air to their destination if the ducts are too big.
7. Examine air ducts for damage or faulty installation.
Any limitation in air movement may greatly influence your entire house. And if the duct is broken at the end of its supply line, only one or two rooms may have poor circulation. A duct system with too many twists and turns can also obstruct air movement; therefore, having an expert inspect the original system and establish if it is correctly installed is critical.
8. Determine if the HVAC unit has a low refrigerant level.
The refrigerant in your HVAC system makes the cold air; if its levels are low, it will not function correctly. When refrigerants are low, you may notice descending or no air entering through vents in the house and experience restricted cooling. Low refrigerant levels in your AC are typically due to leakage. Ruptures and defects in your air conditioning coil might cause the leakage. This issue can also be caused by corrosion buildup due to poor AC maintenance. Contact an HVAC specialist to refill the refrigerant, as they know the correct levels specified by your HVAC system's manufacturer.
9. Replace your old or outdated HVAC unit.
If you observe a considerable decrease in airflow from your air conditioner, your device may be nearing the end of its life. The unit becomes inefficient as it ages and cannot maintain optimal airflow. HVAC systems normally last 10-15 years; if yours is more than a decade old, it is time to replace them.
10. Clean the dirty coils.
Your heating and AC system circulates air across cold evaporator coils to cool your home. However, if they are dirty and clogged with debris, they can cause many issues. Coils cannot discharge heat, interfering with air conditioner ventilation when clogged. The unit must work harder to cool your area, which might lead to compressor failure. If you have no prior expertise in cleaning coils, it is advisable to hire a professional, as coil fins are extremely delicate, and harsh cleaning can cause significant damage.
11. Schedule regular HVAC maintenance and service.
Regular HVAC maintenance is one of the finest methods to increase airflow in your system. By having your complete system analyzed and inspected by a competent HVAC service specialist, you may identify any system flaws preventing it from functioning properly. Your system might also be experiencing additional difficulties that aren't immediately visible, so having a maintenance plan in place can enhance every part of your air conditioning experience.
BONUS: Balancing HVAC Airflow
Air balancing tests your HVAC equipment to see what generates unequal airflow or negative air pressure. Balancing your HVAC airflow is to provide appropriate airflow in your home's rooms. It improves interior air quality by increasing air movement. Air balance also helps to reduce your energy expenses since hot and cold zones in your home stress your HVAC equipment.
Here are some recommendations to help you balance the HVAC airflow:
- Keep heat-generating electronics away from your thermostat.
- To eliminate drafts, make sure your windows and doors are securely sealed.
- Blocking vents with furniture and other objects reduces airflow.
You can also consult a competent technician who can utilize calculation procedures to determine the needed airflow in each room. They will then balance the airflow by adjusting internal dampers or repairing problems such as duct leaks.
Call Home Alliance!
Don't dismiss your home's air circulation issue. Improve the airflow in your house to increase comfort and efficiency. Wondering, "who should I call for HVAC and air duct maintenance? Then look no further than Home Alliance! We are a team of certified technicians that are experts in installing and selecting the best heating and cooling solutions for your house and giving the honest and courteous customer service you expect. We have been regarded as one of the go-to AC and duct cleaning companies, providing great comfort to houses in the region for years, fixing HVAC issues and doing air duct cleaning of all kinds in the process.
So, for your total comfort needs, please contact us immediately! We will provide the quick, efficient duct and HVAC cleaning and services solution you need. We can also provide an honest and transparent air duct replacement cost guide. Also, check our FAQ about how often your air ducts are cleaned and schedule an appointment!
