Poor indoor air quality isn’t just something you should live with. Indoor air can contain contaminants that pose serious harm to your health. The right amount of airflow in your home increases your comfort, regulates the room’s temperature, and even helps with those potentially dangerous air pollutants. Thankfully, there are some easy solutions that could make a big difference. Read on below for some helpful tips on how to increase airflow to one room.
1. Check Your Vents and Registers
This is perhaps the simplest, yet also most overlooked, solution for improving airflow.
It’s highly possible that your registers could’ve been closed accidentally. So double-check to be sure this isn’t the case. The answer for how to increase airflow to one or more rooms could be that simple.
Are some vents working but others aren’t? The issue could be the size of your furnace or air conditioner. If the unit is too small, it won’t be able to reach as many vents as it needs to.
Wondering how to increase airflow to one room? Try closing the vents in the unused rooms of your home. This should allow some airflow to be redirected. While it can help, this isn’t a perfect solution. And it can be just a temporary fix if you later need to use those other rooms and areas again.
The best solution is to fix whatever the larger issue is that affects your vents. This could mean you have to replace your HVAC system. Or the next tips could have your answer.
2. Use Fans to Your Advantage
When used in a strategic way, fans can be the perfect answer to how to increase airflow to one room. To increase cool air in the warmer months, make sure the ceiling fan turns counterclockwise.
If you don’t already have a ceiling fan, installing one in the center could help the room’s overall air circulation. And if you install a window fan, it will be able to get the outdoor air to flow into the room more quickly.
What if the room you want to increase airflow in doesn’t have windows? Fans will still work to your advantage. Try opening the windows and doors of surrounding rooms while running the fan. In general, opening doors and/or windows is one of the simplest ways to increase airflow to one room.
3. Check Your Ductwork
The ductwork in your home is what brings conditioned air. So, if you’re experiencing airflow issues, a problem with your ductwork may be the culprit. There are a couple of common issues that can wind up hindering airflow.
One is if the ducts are the wrong size. They could either be too big or too small. The ductwork could also be warped in some way. There could be unexpected bends or an object could’ve fallen on it.
You will also want to make sure the ductwork isn’t clogged with any dirt and debris, which can accumulate over time. If you suspect this is the problem, you can vacuum the ducts on your own. But if you’re worried you’ll damage the ductwork, contact a reputable HVAC company that offers duct cleaning services.
Another common issue is if the ductwork has any leaks. If there are any leaks, the pressure in the ductwork will decrease, which in turn will decrease the overall airflow. Leaking ducts also end up wasting more energy, reducing your efficiency by 20 to 45 percent. Also, cracks and leaks put your ductwork at risk for developing mold, which certainly isn’t good for airflow. This can be remedied fairly simply by sealing your ducts. HVAC companies use a number of different methods, ranging from using duct tape (an aptly named product) to Aerosol, which uses modern technology to pressurize your ductwork and seal the leaks.
4. Don’t Ignore Your Filters
Air filters are literally designed to capture the dust, debris, and contaminants so they stay out of your air. And, again, a major problem with airflow could be the buildup of dust and debris. So make sure you are either replacing or washing your filters as often as you are supposed to.
Different filters have different guidelines, and you should make sure to follow those. In general, it is recommended you change your filters at least every 90 days. Some recommend every 30 days. If you typically change every 90 days, you might consider checking every 30 days and changing it if needed, particularly during the months where you’re using it more.
5. Keep Up Your Annual HVAC Maintenance
To increase airflow, and also improve your HVAC system’s efficiency, it is imperative not to overlook this service. A yearly visit from HVAC expert technicians will both solve and prevent problems. And don’t assume you can skip this if your HVAC system is relatively new.
Annual inspection and maintenance will cover many of the ways to increase airflow mentioned above. This includes performing a high-quality cleaning and replacing the air filters. HVAC technicians will thoroughly inspect any current issues and even potential future issues. When our technicians at Entek perform these annual inspections, you can count on our testing methods.
If you haven’t had a maintenance check done in a while, be sure to schedule one as soon as possible. You can also contact an HVAC service throughout the year with any questions or concerns. If you think there’s a major issue that needs attention sooner rather than later, don’t hesitate to make an appointment.
You can find more information on Entek by visiting our website. We’ve served the Pacific Northwest area for over 75 years, so you can trust our expertise on airflow and other HVAC system issues. We also have a special number you can reach us at in case of emergency.
