Most people turn on their thermostat in the winter in their Columbia, Maryland, home, and then don’t think much about it. If it’s too chilly, then you probably go and adjust the temperature, but the problem isn’t always the temperature setting. There are actually a lot of factors that affect the comfort and warmth of your home. Make sure your home is optimized for proper airflow to make sure your home is comfortable.
Check Your Air Vents
Your air vents are a crucial component for proper air flow through your home, but many people don’t realize how many are closed, covered, or blocked. Go through your home and find the air vents in every room. Make sure you don’t have any vents accidentally covered by carpet or wallpaper. It’s surprising how often it happens. After you’re sure that your vents aren’t covered, also make sure there isn’t furniture blocking the vents, and they are all open. Pets and kids sometimes accidentally shut them so it’s important to check them if you notice a difference in temperature in a specific room.
Clean, Seal, or Replace your Ducts
Your ductwork is another vital aspect of airflow in your home, but problems with your ductwork can cause issues with your airflow. An energy audit will offer insight into whether your ducts need to be resealed or even replaced. Furthermore, your ducts need to be cleaned regularly to make sure that dust hasn’t accumulated, and you don’t have any infestations of bugs living in your ductwork. Since all the air blows through your ductwork, you don’t want your air quality compromised by dirty ducts.
Consider Ductless Systems
If you have problems with air flow in a bonus room or home addition, talk to your HVAC contractor about other options. A ductless system helps to heat or cool these challenging spaces. Ductless systems aren’t attached to your central air or heating system. You can turn it off or on to heat or cool that individual area. With a ductless system, you allow for more flexibility when you’re building an addition, and can avoid wasting energy by heating a room that is used less.
Check for Drafts
When the weather gets cooler, check for drafts throughout your home to see if air is leaking or getting into your home disrupting optimal air flow. Make sure you turn off appliances and walk around your house checking for drafts. You can also use incense to see if the smoke is heading toward a potential exit. Fireplaces, doors, windows, and walls that aren’t adequately insulated are common places that people will feel drafts in their home. Professional energy audits also help to find drafts throughout your home.
Add Insulation
When your home isn’t properly insulated, you’re more likely to disrupt the airflow in your home. Insulation helps to make sure that the inside air stays in and the outside air stays out. Attics and crawl spaces need plenty of insulation, but also the garage, bonus rooms, and even the walls. Insulation helps to improve the airflow in your home and save energy. Proper insulation relieves some of the stress from your hard-working HVAC system as well.
Seal Windows and Doors
During the winter, take extra time to seal any leaky doors or windows. If your windows are aging, you may want to consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows. If you’re not ready to entirely replace any doors or windows, consider winterizing them by making sure they are correctly sealed, keeping the cold air out of your home.
Preventive Maintenance
Regular preventive maintenance is the final step in optimizing airflow throughout your home. Having a professional check out your system ensures that the air filters aren’t dirty or clogged and that your system is working efficiently. You may also find out that your HVAC system is the wrong size, which disrupts proper airflow, or that it’s aging to the point you may want to consider replacing it. By engaging in regular maintenance, you can save money on utilities, help your HVAC system work better, and improve the airflow in your home.
If you have questions about your HVAC system, we are the experts to call. Contact Griffith Energy Services at 888-474-3391 to schedule an appointment today.
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