What is Air Balancing and Testing?

If you have inconsistent temperatures throughout your home, it’s likely that your HVAC system has an air balance problem. Although there are many factors that can contribute to home temperature and airflow issues, an improperly balanced HVAC system is a likely contributor.

Professional air balance testing will help you to recalibrate your system, and in turn, live more comfortably. Learn more about this process and whether your home may be a good candidate for home air balancing.

What is Air Balancing?

The process of air balancing HVAC systems involves testing and adjusting your HVAC settings to create more consistent airflow throughout your home. Your system should already be accurately calibrated upon installation, but it’s possible for that adjustment to be missed, or it may have shifted over time.

How Does an HVAC Air Balancing Procedure Work?

• Certified Air Balance HVAC technicians will start by testing your HVAC’s capable output against your home’s heating and cooling needs.
• After that, current airflow and air pressure will be checked in each room to see if and where these needs are being met.
• Depending on the cause and extent of airflow issues, other measurements may be performed for deciding the best methods for fully optimizing your home for better air balancing.
• Adjustments will then be made to your HVAC system and home ventilation.
• As needed, further maintenance can be performed and suggested. This is because it’s likely that your airflow issues stem from other issues such as leaks, damage, buildup, or aging systems.

Related Topic: How to Conduct an Indoor Air Quality Assessment

Why is Air Balancing Important?

Having improperly balanced airflow in your home not only leads to discomfort, but it can also mean a rise in energy costs. A unit that is working overtime is inefficient, which could mean greater stress on your HVAC systems. Most importantly though, by air balancing your home air quality will be largely improved—preventing against allergens, mold, and other irritants. For these reasons alone, air balancing can be just as important as regular HVAC maintenance, but other common benefits include:

• Better temperature comfort
• Extended HVAC lifespan
• Decreased HVAC maintenance and repairs
• Identified air duct issues such as: damage, blockage, improper sizing, etc. (prevent these problems from reoccurring with regular air duct cleaning)

Signs Your Home Needs an HVAC Air Balance Test

While this is certainly not an extensive list, these problems are often the major indicators of home air balancing issues:

• Inconsistent temperatures throughout your home.
• Cold or warm spots in various rooms.
• High heating or cooling bills.
• Poor or lack of airflow from air vents.

Although an air balance test can resolve many of these concerns, these issues could also be a result of needed HVAC maintenance, poor home ventilation, or inadequate insulation. For any HVAC repairs or upgrades, you can count on the experts at Aire Serv.

Related Topic: Why Is One Room Colder Than the Others?

Interested in Improving Air Quality and Air Flow in Your Home?

Properly maintained your HVAC system will help ensure a better balance of air quality and airflow throughout your home. If you’re struggling with heating and cooling inconsistencies, call the local HVAC experts at Aire Serv. We have the knowledge, experience and expertise to keeping your system operating efficiently all year long. To get started, give us a call or request an appointment online today.