Homes around St. Matthews, KY, rely on good airflow to keep the HVAC system working well. More than that, it helps keep you comfortable in both the hot and cool weather. The following is why airflow is so important and how you can improve it immediately.
Why Airflow Matters
Your HVAC system depends on its ability to circulate air through your home and draw it into the system. From there, it pushes it through, conditions it, and then forces it back out. This is why they’re referred to as forced air systems.
A restriction anywhere in the process causes inconsistent temperatures throughout your home. It also causes your system to run continuously to achieve your desired temperature, leading to preventable system repairs and reduced efficiency.
Poor air circulation also leads to poor indoor air quality by not drawing enough air through your filters. This leaves more contaminants in the air throughout your home, increasing allergies and respiratory irritation.
Fortunately, there are several easy ways to improve your airflow, some of which you can do yourself. Make these changes, and you’ll notice an improvement in your HVAC efficiency and the comfort around your home.
Air Filter
Your air filter is vital to the circulation your HVAC system creates. The circulating fan draws air from around your home and pushes it back out. This process creates the air movement needed to keep your home from becoming stagnant.
The contaminants your air filter removes build-up on the filter, requiring periodic replacement. Most experts agree you should replace your filters about every 90 days, depending on your air quality and filter type.
However, checking your filter monthly gives you a sense of how quickly it collects contaminants in your home. When you check it, gently vacuum the intake side to help extend its service life.
Vent Clearance
To create the circulating movement in your home, your vents must be clear, allowing air to flow freely. The air coming out of your vents creates a high pressure, while the air flowing into the return vent creates low pressure. This pressure differential creates the circulating movement.
Blocked or restricted vents or intake registers disrupt this movement, leading to stagnant air, inconsistent temperatures, and reduced efficiency. To keep this from happening, you need to leave room for air to circulate.
Opinions differ on how much vertical space you should leave to allow proper airflow circulation. The best thing to remember is that air must come up and then move out. So even keeping 2 to 4 inches above, in front of, and to the sides of your vent should be sufficient for outflow vents.
Plan to leave more space for your return vent. The vent size will determine exactly how much space you need for proper circulation. Your HVAC technician should provide guidance on how much clearance your return register needs.
While you’re thinking about your vents, be sure that all are open. Closed vents will inhibit your system’s circulation and create improper pressure in the system.
Routine Maintenance
As contaminants collect on the evaporator coil, heat exchanger, and circulating fan, your system will develop internal airflow restrictions. A technician cleans these areas during professional routine maintenance to prevent restrictions and maintain the system’s efficiency.
Keep your system from running at a handicap by keeping air flowing freely through your home and HVAC system. Call to schedule your HVAC maintenance with the professionals at KLM Heating & Cooling.
As a family-owned and operated company that’s been around since 1997, we proudly offer high-quality Industrial, Commercial, and Residential HVAC services. Our Christian values are the foundation for everything we do and we’re available 24/7 for emergency services. Best of all, we stand behind all our services with our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call our experts today to schedule an appointment.
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