Proper airflow is essential for a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. Good circulation and airflow decrease the buildup of stagnant or stale air, thereby improving the quality of life within the home. Airflow plays a role in temperature regulation by ensuring the even distribution of warm or cool air. According to research from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), proper airflow may also reduce the concentration of indoor contaminants like dust, allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Here is a look at some ways to optimize airflow.
1. Check Vents and Registers
One of the first steps to ensure that air flows freely is to check the vents and registers of each room. It is important so nothing obstructs the vents in your home. Remove or readjust any furniture, appliances, or drapes that may otherwise block the output of air. It is also imperative to leave registers open even if you do not intend to heat or cool a specific room. Closing air registers can make your HVAC system work harder to redirect air, and this overcompensation can make airflow problems even worse. After checking your registers and vents, routinely wipe the grilles with a cloth to remove the accumulation of dust or debris that might otherwise inhibit airflow.
2. Turn on Ceiling Fans
Another important strategy for improving airflow is to turn on ceiling fans. These overhead devices circulate stagnant air and can prevent a stuffy atmosphere within the room. During warmer months, experts recommend making sure that the fan spins counterclockwise to push cooler air down toward the floor. Some technicians also refer to this counterclockwise movement as a “wind-chill effect.” During colder months, ceiling fans should rotate clockwise to redistribute warm air throughout the room. Many ceiling fans come with a remote that allows you to adjust the rotation settings. Otherwise, you can alter the settings using a switch below the blades or by contacting a technician for assistance.
3. Utilize Exhaust Fans
Exhaust fans help expel stale or humid air. These devices are useful in areas of the home like bathrooms or kitchens. Everyday activities like showering and cooking can generate heat and moisture that can remain trapped within the home. The concentration of moist, stagnant air within poorly ventilated rooms can even increase the risk of mold or mildew. Turning on the exhaust fan enables fresher air to circulate inside otherwise cramped spaces.
4.Consider Installing a Whole-House Fan or Ventilator
In addition to ceiling fans and exhaust fans, whole-house fans can increase air movement throughout the home. This allows you to improve airflow in the entire building instead of just one room. Whole-house fans work by drawing in fresh air from outdoors using windows or registers.
These fans expel stale air using connected exhaust vents. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, whole-house fans can provide homes with 15-23 air changes per hour to boost airflow or circulation. Similarly, whole-home ventilators use an energy-exchange system to pull in fresh air inside and deposit stale air outside. If you are interested in a whole-house fan or whole-home ventilator, consult with a trained professional who can provide the expertise necessary for proper wiring and installation.
5. Utilize Natural Air Circulation
While mechanical sources of air circulation are important, it is also helpful to utilize natural sources of airflow. This includes periodically opening windows and doors for the best cross-ventilation. Consider repositioning furniture or opening pathways in front of windows or doors to create patterns that facilitate the breezy movement of air. Experts recommend opening windows and doors during early morning hours for the best results. You can also consult with a professional about how to encourage the best air patterns and how to select low-pollen, low-humidity days to open the passages of your home.
6. Replace Air Filters
HVAC systems use filters to trap dust, debris, and airborne pollutants. Over time, these filters can become clogged with dirt and inhibit proper airflow. Experts recommend changing HVAC filters at least once every 90 days to improve air circulation. A professional can help you choose a filter with the right minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) that removes contaminants without impeding airflow.
7. Replace Old Equipment
Older heating and cooling equipment can have a harder time moving air than newer models. If you have owned an HVAC unit for over 10 years, consult with a professional about upgrading to a more efficient model. Units with improved efficiency enable air to circulate freely, and they often require less power or electricity for operation. This means that in addition to better air quality, you may also benefit from lower energy bills.
8. Invest in an Air-Balancing Checkup
Air balancing refers to the technique of adjusting an HVAC system so each room in the home receives the proper amount of heated or conditioned air. Most technicians conduct air balancing after the initial installation of a home HVAC system. However, it is often helpful to receive an air-balancing checkup every few years. This is especially true for multi-level homes. During an air-balancing checkup, a professional may use dampers to adjust airflow or conduct a series of tests before re-calibrating the system completely. If several rooms in the home feel stuffy while other areas feel appropriately warm or cool, reach out to a technician to schedule air balancing for your property.
9. Consider Duct Inspections
Ducts are responsible for distributing air throughout your home. Over time, however, ducts can experience wear and tear that includes holes, tears, or cracks. This damage can result in duct leaks that inhibit the proper output of air. Not only do duct leaks make the home less energy-efficient, but they can also result in stagnation and minimal airflow. Holes or tears in the ductwork can even draw in dust that vents then redistribute in various parts of your house. Choosing a duct inspection allows a professional to check for leaks and repair vulnerable areas of your ductwork as needed.
10. Schedule HVAC Maintenance
A crucial step for improving airflow is to schedule regular HVAC maintenance for the home. Most experts recommend an annual inspection or tune-up for all major HVAC units. This helps increase the longevity and boost the performance of heating and cooling equipment. But in addition to regular tune-ups, it is also helpful to keep up preventative HVAC maintenance. During a maintenance session, a technician can test operation and ensure the functionality of your system’s components. Maintenance sessions may also include cleaning as well as minor repairs that fix smaller issues before they result in major breakdowns. Overall, a comprehensive maintenance session helps correct any hidden problems that may otherwise stop air from flowing as it should.
Contact Us Today
Precision Heating & Air provides indoor air services for Dallas, GA, and surrounding areas. Our technicians offer HVAC installation, maintenance, and repairs. We provide duct cleaning and can also install HEPA filters and residential ventilators. In addition to air quality control services, our company offers an MVP membership program that allows you to always keep up with and save on routine HVAC maintenance.
We can install humidifiers or dehumidifiers for maximal home comfort, and our technicians even offer emergency repair services for problems that simply cannot wait. No matter the issue, we are here to help. Contact Precision Heating & Air today for all HVAC and indoor air quality needs.
