Have you ever been in a spot in your building that feels abnormally warm or cool compared to the rest of your home? It can be quite frustrating, especially on days when it’s hot or cold out. 

What many people don’t realize is that HVAC systems don’t heat and cool every area in the home equally. Over time, these systems need to undergo a process called air balancing to ensure that it distributes an ample amount of hot and cold air. Here are seven things you should know about this process.

1. What is Air Balancing?

Air balancing is the process by which maintenance workers adjust your HVAC system so that every area in your building gets enough hot and cool air. When the systems are first installed, they should already be balanced. Over time, they will need adjustment every so often. 

2. Problems Air Balancing Can Diagnose

Maintenance workers determine how well your system runs by performing a series of tests. By analyzing the data from these tests, they can determine how well air circulates throughout your building. Through this, they can identify temperature imbalances and determine the problem that causes them. 

Some of the issues that can cause these imbalances can include:

  • Damaged air ducts
  • Loose duct joints
  • Blockages
  • Ill-fitting air ducts
  • Ductwork with sharp turns

3. Check Your Filters For Cleanliness

Checking how clean your filters are can help alleviate some air balancing issues. Clean filters improve airflow and improve the efficiency of your furnace. Dirty filters can cause it to overheat and shut off quickly.

Dirty filters can also cause breakdowns. Keeping them clean can extend the life of your system. By doing these things, you can also reduce your electricity bill since you help optimize your system.

4. Have The Proper Documents

A technician should have proper documentation before they do any air balancing. These can include duct design calculations, the layout of ac duct lines, equipment information, and control documentation. If you don’t have these documents, you should get a sketch of your duct system. 

5. How Do You Know If You Need Air Balancing?

If your building has hot or cold spots in certain rooms, you should schedule air balancing for your system. Electricity bills that are higher than normal are also a telltale sign. If some of your vents are struggling to feed air, even while open, that is also an indicator. 

Finally, if the temperature between floors of your building has a difference of two degrees or more, you should schedule service.

6. Avoid Placing Electronics Near Your Thermostat

Electronics generate heat, and if they sit near the thermostat, they can cause it to think a room is warmer than normal. When this happens, your vents may need adjustment. Try to keep devices as far away from the thermostat as possible.

7. Adjust Ceiling Fans

Adjusting the direction of your ceiling fans can have a large impact on airflow. In warmer months, your fan should spin counterclockwise to create a cool downward flow of air. In warm months, set it to go clockwise at a slow speed to evenly distribute warm air.

Comprehensive HVAC Maintenance

Air balancing can keep you comfortable in your building no matter where you’re at. Regular service can help you cut costs and extend the life of your system. You can also take steps to improve the air quality in your home as well.

At Comfort Now, we provide quality HVAC repair and maintenance. We have offices that service Visalia, Porterville, and Hanford. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.