Uneven Temperatures in Your Home? You Could Have an Airflow Problem

If your home uses a forced-air heating system (a furnace with vents rather than a boiler with radiators or baseboards), you may occasionally experience uneven temperatures in your home – an upstairs that gets too hot, for example.

While there could be several reasons for this, one possible contributor to inconsistent household temperatures is poor airflow.

Proper airflow plays an important and often overlooked part in the performance of your HVAC heating system; without it, you could experience such issues as hot and cold spots, pressure imbalances (drafts, doors slamming by themselves, etc.), and air temperature problems (cool air from your furnace, warm air from your A/C, etc.).

7 Common Airflow Problems

But what causes airflow problems, and how do you fix or prevent them? Here are some common contributors to poor airflow and what to do about them.

• Blocked vents – Furniture, curtains, and other impediments in front of your vents could be reducing airflow in your home; move them if possible.
• A dirty air filter – Most people leave their air filter in too long, especially during peak heating season, when more air, dust and other particles are moving through it. Check your filter at least once a month during winter, replacing it as needed.
• A blocked condenser unit – Your HVAC condenser unit is usually located outside, which means that leaves and other debris can get inside it; these obstructions can cause your system to overheat as it struggles to access air. Power down your condenser and remove the debris.
• Duct problems – In a forced air system, a fan pushes air heated by your furnace through a series of ducts and into your living space. The problem is that this duct system can develop leaks, which reduces airflow. If you suspect a leak or build-up, contact us so we can inspect your system.
• Thermostat issues – A faulty thermostat can also contribute to poor airflow. Try replacing the batteries in your thermostat and see if airflow improves. If not, contact us to install a new thermostat.
• Improper size matching – If the capacity of your furnace is too large for the heating load of your home, it will cycle (turn on and off) too frequently, which can lead to poor air circulation. When you have a new heating system installed, make sure your contractor performs heat loss calculations so you know exactly what size your units need to be. To learn more about this, contact us.
• Poorly maintained or expiring equipment – Good old fashioned malfunctioning equipment can also be at the heart of an airflow problem, so be sure to have your heating equipment serviced by a professional every year. If your system is more than 12 to 15 years old, it’s time to start considering the costs and benefits of a heating system upgrade – contact us to learn more.

Experiencing airflow problems in your home? Contact the pros at Pioneer today for heating service in Central Massachusetts. If you need a heating system replacement, we can help you there, too – call us for a FREE, comprehensive estimate on a high-efficiency propane– or heating oil-fired furnace that’s the perfect match for your home, lifestyle, and budget.