Airflow Problems In Your Home

In many homes with more than one floor, the upper floor (or floors) often feel much warmer than the first level when the heat is running. In most cases, this is the result of an airflow issue, which can be caused by a number of possible culprits. Many of the causes of poor airflow are easy to troubleshoot yourself. For the ones that are more complex or difficult to remedy, we are here to help.

Causes Of Poor AirFlow

Here’s a look at what could be going on in with the airflow in your Central Massachusetts home.

Do you need more insulation?

An attic that does not have proper insulation will attract heat from lower floors in the house. The U.S. Department of Energy has created a guide that indicates how much insulation your Central Massachusetts home requires. Take a look to see if this might be the reason for airflow issues in your home.

Is your thermostat set correctly?

It’s possible that the heating or airflow problem in your house could be solved with nothing more than the flip of a switch. If your furnace is set on “Auto,” try switching to the “On” setting instead as this will lead the air to circulate continuously, which will prevent it from settling on the second or third floor. You may also want to switch to zoned heating, which allows you to control the heat in different areas of your home individually.

Does your upstairs area get too much sun?

Full sunlight can cause a room to heat up, and many upper level rooms do indeed get full sunlight. Close the curtains, shades or blinds to help regulate the temperature in rooms where the sun hits and the temperature will be closer to that of the rest of the house—and where it should be.

Is your air filter clogged or dirty?

For most of the year, air filters should be changed (or cleaned, depending on the type) every three months. And during peak heating months—like now—they should be changed monthly. Be sure that the air filter in your home is clean. If anyone in your home has allergies, or if you have a furry pet, you should change it more often throughout the year.

Are your vents blocked or closed?

Closed or blocked vents will not allow air to come through properly. Make sure your heat’s airflow is not obstructed by rugs, furniture, curtains or debris.

Does your ductwork need to be replaced or adjusted?

If you have damaged ductwork, or if it’s not correctly installed, your heat will feel uneven from room to room. Your furnace will have to put in more work than it should to achieve a balanced temperature, and the reality is that it still probably won’t happen. If you are concerned that your ductwork needs to be repaired or replaced, contact us.

The team of friendly, professional technicians at < ahref="/" title="home">Pioneer is here to help. Please contact us with questions about installation or service!