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How to Improve Airflow and Boost Home Comfort

Maintaining ideal temps at home is a huge priority for homeowners. This can mean more than just choosing the right temperature on your thermostat—efficient airflow is just as essential to ensure your home feels perfect. If you’re noticing stubborn hot and cold spots or your HVAC system seems to be working harder than normal, working on resolving problems with airflow could be the answer you’ve been waiting for. Learn how improving airflow can benefit your home, the usual reasons airflow may become weak and simple, yet effective tips to restore it.

Five Things That Could Restrict Airflow

In terms of your HVAC, airflow refers to the circulation of air within the air ducts. When the HVAC system is working, air is brought in through the return registers and air ducts. It moves through the filter, which removes dust and other pollutants before the air is heated up or cooled by the corresponding system. The now-purified and heated/cooled air then circulates back through your home via the supply vents and registers. Adequate airflow is when this loop works evenly across all rooms.

But before you take steps for enhancing home airflow, it’s best when you start by taking the time to recognize the typical causes that can hinder it. Here are several causes that might be impacting your home’s comfort, efficiency and air quality:

1. Clogged Air Filter

A clogged filter makes it tougher for the HVAC system to circulate air through, causing it to work harder than necessary.

2. Holes in Your Ductwork

Gaps or loose bolts in your ductwork allow air to leak out before it reaches its intended destination, causing irregular temperatures and wasted energy.

3. Blocked Vents and Registers

Furniture, curtains and rugs may obstruct return and supply vents, hindering the amount of air that flows through the system.

4. Poorly Designed Ductwork

Incorrectly sized ducts, lack of insulation and sloppy vent placement is also known to reduce airflow.

5. Lack of Maintenance

A lack of scheduled maintenance can cause dust and debris to build up in your HVAC system and ductwork, which hinders circulation over time.

The Importance of Proper Airflow

Here’s why consistent airflow is a crucial part of efficient performance:

Healthier air: Proper airflow prevents stagnation, reducing the concentration of airborne allergens for a healthier living environment.

Higher energy savings: As long as the air circulates well, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as much, which helps with lowering your energy bills while prolonging the system’s life span.

Even temperatures: And of course, balanced airflow helps maintain an even temperature from one room to the next. This helps prevent hot and cold spots that tend to make some rooms much less pleasant.

Suggestions to Improve Airflow

Now that you know why good airflow is so important and the factors that can hinder it, let’s review some effective tips to improve home airflow:

  • Replace the HVAC air filter: Make a habit of inspecting your air filter once a month. A good rule of thumb is to replace it every 90 days or in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations to keep the air moving freely through your system.
  • Leave interior doors ajar: Leaving open interior doors allows air to move freely between rooms, important for preserving a steady temperature for the entire home.
  • Use your ceiling fans: Ceiling fans help distribute air which also makes the temperature seem more pleasant, particularly in the summer. Set your fans to spin counterclockwise, which pushes cool air toward the floor. In the winter, flip them to clockwise and keep them on low to circulate warm air stuck near the ceiling back down toward the floor.
  • Keep vents and registers are clear: It never hurts to regularly double check that vents and registers are clear of furniture or other objects. All return vents and at least 80% of supply vents need to be kept open to maintain balanced airflow. Also, clean the grilles when needed to get rid of dust and debris that can restrict circulation.
  • Seal duct leaks: Examine any accessible ductwork for clear damage allowing air to escape. For a more comprehensive inspection, look into hiring a professional to examine your air ducts.
  • Explore adding a zoning system: Home zoning enables you to independently set the temperature in individual rooms, an effective solution to uneven heating and cooling.
  • Arrange routine HVAC maintenance: Professional maintenance keeps your HVAC system running at its best. A technician will clean components, assess for possible problems and complete the necessary repairs to protect proper airflow.

Choose McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling to Boost Home Comfort

Enhancing your home’s airflow can significantly impact your comfort level and energy bills. The certified technicians at McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling provide quick, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort needs. If you’re not totally happy with our work, rest assured that our 100% satisfaction guarantee means we’re committed to making things right. We’re honored to ensure comfort to every home we service! If you’re ready to boost airflow, please contact us for more help.