Why are some rooms hotter than others?
Sounds like you need an Air Balancing
Air Balancing is the practice of testing and adjusting HVAC systems to achieve maximum performance. Just as important as choosing the right energy-efficient air conditioner for your home is the means by which it is achieved through your air distribution system, which is vital for maximum efficiency and comfort. Air is, after all, the first word in air conditioning, and a vast majority of duct systems do not function as designed. An average residential system can be found operating 30-50% below its recommended air flow, which means that a poorly operating duct system could reduce your comfort and efficiency by up to 50%. This could be caused by a range of problems typically found in the field, which include but are not limited to the following:
- Leaking ductwork (poorly sealed or torn)
- Undersized or Oversized Ductwork
- Kinks or smashed ducts are causing a restriction
- Blower speed is improperly set to match system capacity
- Dirty/clogged air filters or evaporator coils restricting air, reducing system capacity
At Air Innovations, we use all the necessary tools to perform a proper air balance and air-side diagnostics. This, however, does require the use of manual dampers that may or may not be currently installed in your ductwork, and repairs may be necessary before initial balancing. Some telltale signs of an improperly balanced system are:
- Uneven temperature differences from one room to another (should not exceed 2-30F)
- Noisy supply registers or return grills
- Thermostat overshooting the target temperature
- High humidity in the home
- The need to use oscillating fans where more air is needed to feel comfortable
