Taking a few steps to maintain airflow in your HVAC system supports improved heating and cooling performance, higher energy efficiency and lower costs. Conditioned air circulates through your HVAC system via two separate duct networks: supply ducts and return ducts. As the names imply, supply ducts deliver heated or cooled air to individual rooms while return ducts convey air back to the furnace or air conditioner.
Airflow may be thought of as the lifeblood of your HVAC system. Keeping all system components in good repair, including taking proper steps to maintain airflow, ensures consistent indoor comfort and affordable operation, and it reduces wear and tear on critical parts. Here are some suggestions to regularly maintain airflow and reap the benefits:
Replace the air filter.
Nothing disrupts proper HVAC airflow like a dirty, clogged air filter. During winter heating season, inspect the filter monthly and don’t go longer than two months without replacing it. In summer air-conditioning season, change the filter every month to maintain airflow.
Open all vents.
Don’t close or obstruct HVAC vents in individual rooms. The system generates the same conditioned air volume whether vents in rooms are open or not. Therefore, any savings will be insignificant. Meanwhile, wear and tear on system components as well as monthly operating costs will rise. Also, closing vents unbalances airflow volume to rooms throughout the entire house, resulting in cold spots and overly warm areas.
Schedule a duct inspection.
All the airflow to rooms in your home passes through the system supply and return ductwork. Leakage from ductwork joints and deteriorating duct segments allow conditioned air to escape into unconditioned zones like the crawl space and attic. Maintain airflow by scheduling a duct-leakage test plus a full inspection to accurately determine the rate of leakage and identify needed sealing repairs.
For qualified service to maintain airflow and keep your HVAC system functioning at optimum performance, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.