4 Ways to Improve HVAC Airflow in Your Home

July 07, 2020

Ensuring that your HVAC system has adequate airflow is essential to keep your home comfortable and prolong the life of your furnace and air conditioner. As you use your heat and air, dust buildup and other factors can result in blocked airflow. Here are four ways to improve your system's airflow so you can get the most out of your heating and air conditioning.

1. Make Sure Your Vents Aren't Blocked

Naturally, the first place you should check for airflow problems is at your vent registers. If any of your vents are blocked, your system is wasting energy by trying to circulate air to that room. Furniture is one of the most common culprits behind blocked vents, but rugs and curtains can also block your vents without you realizing it.

2. Clear the Space Around the Condenser

Your outdoor A/C condenser relies on a steady supply of air to work properly. The condenser draws outside air in through the aluminum fins on the exterior of the unit to remove heat from your system's refrigerant. The refrigerant is then circulated to the evaporator coils inside to cool your home's air when you run your air conditioner.

Weeds, bushes, and other greenery that grow up around your condenser can block airflow and prevent the condenser from cooling the refrigerant properly. Impact on the condenser can also bend the metal fins, and a large section of bent fins can block airflow. This will result in lukewarm air from your vents when you run your air conditioner, so it is important to keep the space around the condenser clear.

3. Clean or Replace Your Furnace Filter

The indoor air quality in any home depends heavily on the condition of the furnace filter. The furnace filter removes dust, pet dander, mold spores, and other contaminants from the air when you use either your furnace or air conditioner. When the furnace filter becomes clogged with dirt, it can block airflow and place a strain on the blower motor, which shortens the life of your HVAC system.

The type of furnace filter you have determines whether it needs to be cleaned or replaced. Many homes have disposable filters that you simply throw away and replace. Other systems have permanent filters with fiberglass frames that can be rinsed with a hose to remove dust and debris. No matter which type of filter you have, you should inspect it monthly for dust buildup and clean or replace it at least every 90 days.

4. Get a Professional Duct Inspection

According to Energy Star, leaky ductwork causes about 20 to 30 percent of air to be lost in the average home. If your ducts leak, all of the heated or cooled air that leaks into your attic or inside the walls of your home is wasted. Leaks can also disrupt airflow by preventing the rooms past the leak from receiving enough air to stay comfortable.

In some cases, you can locate leaks yourself in the attic or basement where ducts are exposed. Unfortunately, leaks can also occur in the ductwork hidden behind your home's walls. A professional duct cleaning and inspection will ensure that even leaks that aren't accessible by the homeowner are patched and your system is running as efficiently as possible.

A precise balance of airflow is essential for any healthy HVAC system. If you are having problems with high energy bills, frequent furnace or A/C repairs, or comfort in your home, contact us at Service 1 Plumbing, Heating & A/C, Inc., so our technicians can make sure your HVAC system functions like it should. We look forward to working with you.