Does your house smell musty? Are allergy symptoms getting to you? Does your upstairs hold more heat than the downstairs? Many people think they just have to live with these types of irritating inconveniences. But the remedy to such problems could be as simple as fixing common airflow issues in your house.
Common Challenges for Residential Airflow
A few simple fixes may be all your house needs, and our experienced AC technicians can help identify problem areas and root causes for airflow issues. Common factors contributing to poor airflow from your AC include:
- Dirty or clogged air filters
- Thermostat settings
- Closed doors
- Blocked or closed vents
- Blocked condenser unit
- Leaky ductwork
- The “Stack Effect” for multi-story homes
- Improperly sized equipment
How to Improve Airflow in Your House
These common challenges many homeowners experience provide clues on how to improve airflow in your house.
Replace Air Filters Often
The cleanliness of air filters impacts airflow drastically. It’s best to check air filters monthly and replace them every 1 to 3 months. If you have allergies or pets or live in an area with a lot of dust, you may need to replace your filters more often.
Turn Your HVAC System “On”
Keep your HVAC system set to “on” instead of “auto.” This lets the fan run constantly, providing continuous air flow without heating or cooling. An added benefit is reducing the start and stop cycle, which may lengthen the unit’s lifespan.
Keep Interior Doors Open
Keeping interior doors closed reduces airflow to each room. This can also increase short cycling and cause pressure imbalances in ductwork, which can put strain on your system.
Check Vents and Registers
Ensure vents and registers are clear and open, as blocking either reduces airflow significantly throughout your home. Check for:
- Furniture placed against vents or registers
- Curtains hanging in front of vents
- Vents you didn’t realize were closed
- Dirty or damaged filters blocking registers
- Rugs placed over vents in the floor
- Any other obstacles that prevent air from freely passing through vents
Check the Condenser Unit
A blocked condenser can reduce HVAC efficiency. Remove anything around the condenser unit that could be blocking it, such as leaves, debris or other outdoor items. Signs your condenser might be blocked include:
- Frequent cycling
- Odd noises from the unit
- Warm air blowing from AC vents when you have it set to cool
Get a Ductwork Inspection
A professional AC technician has tools to test for leaks and low or high pressure areas in your ductwork. Technicians can also check for damage or improper installation, significant temperature differences throughout your home and whether the blower motor speed is correct.
Set Your Ceiling Fans for the Season
Use ceiling fans to work with the weather. In the summer, set your ceiling fans counter-clockwise to produce a downdraft, generating a cooling breeze. In winter, set the ceiling fans to turn clockwise to create an updraft that circulates warm air.
Install Ductless Mini Splits
If your current AC unit is too small for your house or your entire home doesn’t have ductwork, you might want to invest in additional cooling to improve airflow. Ductless mini splits are typically installed on walls or ceilings to provide air conditioning to a specific room or zone in the house, increasing airflow and reducing temperature changes throughout the home. Additional benefits of ductless mini splits can include lower cooling costs, increased comfort and improved air quality.
Keep Up With AC Maintenance
Have your AC checked annually by a professional. If your AC sees heavy use, consider scheduled maintenance twice a year to ensure proactive repairs and support efficiency and optimal airflow.
Get Professional Help With Airflow in Your Home
If you’re struggling with airflow issues in Round Lake, Ingleside, Lake Villa or other areas in the region, Duane Blanton can help. Contact us today to schedule service and find out how we can help you improve airflow in your house.
