To effectively heat and cool your Wheeling, IL, home, your HVAC system needs to have good airflow. Here’s why it’s so important to improve your home’s airflow along with some simple and practical ways to go about doing so.
How Airflow Affects Your HVAC System
Central HVAC systems draw air in, condition it, and then circulate back through the house. Interruptions to that process can prevent the system from working effectively and create the need for air conditioning or heating repairs. There are two primary causes for interruptions to the airflow through your system and around your home. Clogged air filters, dirty system components, and faulty ductwork often cause these restrictions.
Believe it or not, your home itself can contribute to issues with restricted airflow. Usually, closed doors or obstructed vents are to blame. Alterations to your home can also cause problems, particularly if you added ductwork to reach new areas without upgrading your heating and cooling equipment to adjust for the added load capacity.
Keep Your HVAC Filter Clean
Your HVAC filter is the entry point of air into the system, so it’s essential that it is able to do its job and keep contaminants out. To keep enough air moving through your system, the filter needs replacing periodically. HVAC experts recommend that you clean or replace your system’s air filter every 30-90 days depending on your home and your particular air quality requirements. To keep your filter from inhibiting airflow, it’s a good idea to check it once a month.
Open and Clear Your Vents
Your HVAC system creates a circulating effect for the air in your home by creating pressure at the vents. The system creates low pressure at the return vents and high pressure at the output vents. The pressure differential causes the air to move around your home, ensuring that unconditioned air goes into the system.
To establish optimal air circulation throughout your home, you should leave all the vents open. Closing them will inhibit airflow and create pressure imbalances that can affect your comfort and negatively impact your HVAC equipment. Likewise, your vents should be clear of obstruction to allow the air to flow freely. Make sure that you have at least 2 inches of clearance above and around each vent.
Keep Up on Routine Maintenance
As your furnace and air conditioner run, small airborne contaminants can settle on system components and restrict airflow at the heat exchanger, evaporator coil, and circulating fan. Routine maintenance helps prevent these airflow restrictions. Your technician will thoroughly clean your equipment and check your circulating fan to make sure it’s drawing the right amount of air.
Keep your system operating efficiently by getting routine system maintenance twice a year. Call the experts at Besco Air Inc. Heating & Cooling to schedule your HVAC maintenance today.
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