If you’re experiencing issues like uneven heating and cooling, poor humidity control and high energy consumption but your home’s HVAC equipment is working fine, you might think it’s something you’ll just have to live with. You may be surprised to learn all these problems are symptoms of poor air balance within the HVAC system. Fortunately, it’s possible to improve system performance and restore your comfort by having air balancing performed by an experienced HVAC contractor.
Understanding Air Balancing
The air balancing process includes assessing and testing the HVAC system, then fine-tuning airflow by making various adjustments. To pinpoint the underlying problems that need correcting, a technician starts by visually inspecting the ductwork for damage, disconnected or loose joints, deteriorated insulation and other sources of air leakage. Then, specialized tools are used to perform a series of tests and measurements on the HVAC system, including:
- Checking static pressure on the supply and return sides at the HVAC unit using a manometer.
- Measuring the volume of air passing through each supply and return register with a flow or balancing hood.
- Testing air temperature and moisture content using a hygrometer to assess heat gain/loss and identify humidity problems.
Based on the information that’s gathered and the test results, your technician can advise you what needs to be done to optimize airflow through the HVAC system. This can include:
- Adjusting your blower fan speed.
- Installing extra return ducts.
- Changing the setup on a air filtration/cleaning unit.
- Adding more or adjusting the existing duct dampers.
- Topping up the A/C’s refrigerant charge.
- Cleaning the evaporator coil.
- Fixing any deficiencies, then sealing and properly insulating the ductwork.
After all the necessary improvements have been completed, your technician will perform additional tests to make sure your airflow is back in balance. Once it is, you’ll see the system’s energy efficiency bounce back, and you’ll have a more comfortable living environment with better humidity and temperature control.
To learn if you could benefit from air balancing the HVAC system in your home, contact us today at CCAC. We’ve provided top-notch HVAC services to homeowners in the Coastal Bend since 1979.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air balancing and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “ChristianChan/Shutterstock”
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