Air Balancing 101 | How to Avoid Hot and Cold Spots

A centralized HVAC system regulates indoor temperature to ensure it remains a liveable space that can provide comfort throughout the changing seasons - whether it’s for residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. 

Of course, both the air conditioning and heating units should ensure the temperature is at a consistent level throughout different parts of the property. Any hot or cold spots can make anyone uncomfortable, especially when it’s in an area that receives plenty of traffic. 

More importantly, poor distribution of air circulation can force the HVAC unit to overwork itself, resulting in a less-than-ideal performance that can skyrocket your electricity consumption in more ways than one. 

Seeing as air balancing plays a pivotal role in ensuring the HVAC system is running efficiently, the tips below explore some simple ways to address the irregularities to get your space ready for the cold or hot months ahead: 

Tip #1: Check the Cleanliness of the Filters 

One of the biggest components that can contribute to the HVAC’s air balancing capabilities is its filters. When dust, grime, and other dander block the filters, it can cause the air conditioning or heating system to perform harder than it should be, all while wasting energy since it will fail to disperse air evenly. 

Dirty filters can also compromise your health by triggering allergic responses and other respiratory complications. By cleaning the air filters, it can improve the efficiency of your HVAC units, improve air quality, and ensure the energy consumption is at an optimal level. 

Of course, checking for cleanliness will also do wonders for your furnace, air conditioning, and heating systems since it can extend their lifespan by a significant margin. 

Tip #2: Close and Open the Register 

Moving the damper blade within the HVAC system’s blades is a straightforward solution, but it can be a highly effective one at that. Opening the registrars on the upper floor of the building during warm seasons can improve the air distribution, so long as the basement has semi-closed registers. 

Be sure to avoid closing the vents completely since it can have extensive damages to your HVAC system. But when it comes to colder temperatures, reverse the process by closing the registers on the upper floor while the basement remains open. 

When adjusting the system, you can start by setting the thermostat to 76 - 78 degrees as a tester. Observe the unit for 24 hours and check for any areas that seem cooler or hotter so you can know which vents to adjust. You can also go for a two-degree offset if the residential home has two stories, though it may not be the ideal temperature for larger buildings. 

Tip #3: Avoid Airflow Restrictions 

One of the simplest culprits behind poor air balancing with your HVAC system is due to airflow restrictions, which happens when the vents are blocked by items, furniture, and other devices. 

As a standard rule, always maintain an 18-inch distance of space between the ventilation system and your belongings - be it the couch, a cabinet, curtains, and even other electronic devices. If this is unavoidable, it’s worth investing in an air deflector to redirect the air properly.

Keep in mind that placing an electronic device near the vents can also impact its air distribution, particularly since equipment like large screen TVs, computers, and refrigerators can alter the temperature in the room and confuse the thermostat. 

Tip #4: Improve the Window Treatment by Adding Coverings and Checking for Drafts 

Sometimes complications with the HVAC’s air balancing capabilities are rooted in other features in your home, one of which includes the window treatment. Checking for the quality of the seals in all doors and windows can improve the temperature regulation by preventing the air from seeping through the outside.

Meanwhile, adding window coverings or a privacy film can work in conjunction with your HVAC units by improving energy efficiency. Window films are coveted for their ability to block glare, sunlight, and heat, making them a great investment that can take the load off your air conditioner and heater.

Tip #5: Adjust the Directional Settings of Ceiling Fans 

Residential and commercial buildings that have ceiling fans can also play major roles in improving the air balancing in HVAC systems. For one, adjusting the directional settings depending on the season can completely alter the airflow.

During the summer months, allowing it to turn counterclockwise can guide the cool air to flow downwards. On the other hand, setting the direction to a clockwise motion will disperse warm air, which is perfect for cooler months. 

The Bottom Line: The Importance of Air Balancing to Optimize the HVAC System in Residential and Commercial Properties

Experiencing inconsistent temperatures can mean trouble for your HVAC system since it can compromise its efficiency, leading to a series of negative repercussions that impact its lifespan, quality, and even energy consumption. 

By ensuring that there are no hot or cold spots in different parts of your property, you can optimize the HVAC system and ensure it produces consistent air that impacts the room’s comfortability, especially throughout the changing seasons. 

Why Choose Comfort Specialist Services?

If you’re dealing with a faulty air conditioner, a broken heater, and other HVAC issues, there’s no better HVAC repair company than our expert technicians here at Comfort Specialist. With years of training and experiencing solving HVAC-related problems in residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout Hunterdon County, New Jersey. 

Get in touch with our comfort specialists for heating, air conditioning, and other HVAC needs at 973-250-4946 to see what we can do to improve your level of comfort. 

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.