Over 91% of US households have air conditioning in their homes, but not all are getting the most out of their HVAC system. One of the main reasons for this is not being aware of how to balance the HVAC system.
There is nothing worse than having to sit in a specific area of your home because other rooms are sweltering. Air balancing is when your AC system is adjusted, so your house receives an equal amount of air in each room.
1. Check Seals
Some HVAC maintenance tips involve other home parts that impact airflows, such as your doors and windows. For example, windows are responsible for around 30% of heat loss in residential homes. Check the seals of windows and doors to check your air conditioner is not overworking because of air leakages.
2. Replace Air Filters
Air filters are often a reason why airflow is not balanced in your home. Over time the air filters become clogged with dirt and other debris as they filter all air coming through your air conditioner. Cleaning or replacing your air filters is often the solution to balancing airflow in your home.
3. Upgrade Insulation
Another cause of unbalanced airflow is your wall and attic insulation. It could be an insulation issue if you have HVAC maintenance and everything appears fine with your system. Upgrade home insulation to ensure it supports your home AC and reduces energy consumption.
4. Adjust the Thermostat
Move your thermostat away from heat-generating appliances and into the center of your home. Your thermostat takes an average temperature reading, so efficient placement is critical. You can also try offsetting your thermostats if you have multiple ones, such as with a 2-degree offset.
5. Inspect Registers
Your air vents help with home AC temperature adjustment because they contain registers. If your air conditioner system needs minor adjustments, you can experiment with opening or closing a register slightly in each room. See how temperatures in each room respond.
6. Consider Back Up
If you are not ready to change your air conditioner system or there are only minor imbalances, consider using backup appliances to level out temperatures. This can include ceiling fans and portable fans, which also improve airflow.
7. Schedule HVAC Maintenance
As they say, prevention is better than cure. One of the best ways to balance your HVAC system is to have regular maintenance. A professional service can inspect your home AC and identify problems before they cause imbalances in your home.
8. Upgrade Your Home AC
There comes a time when you need to upgrade your home AC. A well-maintained air conditioner can last around 15 years, but many factors impact its lifespan. If you have HVAC maintenance and many problems are identified, investing in a new home HVAC system might be more cost-effective.
Balance an HVAC System
Follow these tips to balance an HVAC system in your home. However, if you are still experiencing problems, you need professional support to fix your HVAC issues.
Are you based in Northwest Florida? Murphy’s Home Services is here to help with all your HVAC needs, 24/7. Contact us today for a free estimate.
