What is Air Balancing and is it Important?

The blueprints for your home show where to put all the walls, windows, and doors. But there is also a page in the blueprint package that shows where the internal ducts should go, what size register should be in each room and other HVAC system requirements. On this page, each room is assigned a CFM number. This is a reference to the air balancing requirements for the home. Here is what you need to know about air balancing and why it is just as important as getting routine air conditioning and furnace repair in Saratoga, CA.

What is Air Balancing?

CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, and this number on the blueprint signifies the amount of air that needs to come from the HVAC system to maintain even temperatures throughout the home. If the CFM is being met, it means the heating and cooling system is operating a peak efficiency. If it is not being met, you will start to notice different temperatures in different areas of the house. So instead of nice, even, comfortable temperatures throughout, you will have hot and cold spots. And the system will work overtime trying to create the proper temperature. During construction, the team that installed the HVAC system should have properly sized the unit to meet the CFM requirements. If the system is not properly sized it will contribute to unbalanced airflow.

What are Signs of Unbalanced Airflow?

Not sure if your system is properly sized or if it is unbalanced? If you do have unbalanced airflow, here are some things you might start to notice. First, high energy bills are often the result of a system struggling to maintain even temperatures and compensating for the uneven heating and cooling. As mentioned, you will probably notice hot or cold spots in the home. This might be especially true of rooms with more than one exterior wall or spaces above the garage that have not been properly insulated. Lastly, the rooms farthest from the HVAC system might have insufficient airflow. This is a sure sign of an unbalanced system. To be sure, you will want to hire an HVAC professional to perform air balance testing on your home and take precise readings at each register.

How Can I Improve Air Balance Issues?

Several issues impact air balance. Things like the windows in the room, the insulation package, properly sized ducts, and adding vents to the room. After checking out the system, a professional HVAC technician will be able to make recommendations for a solution that best fits your situation. Several fixes used in unison can restore proper air balance to the home.

Yes, air balance is important if you want your heating and cooling system to run effectively and efficiently. And if you suspect your HVAC system is unbalanced, it is time to call in a professional for air conditioning and furnace repair in Saratoga, CA. Contact the specialists at Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning today.