The weather this winter has been brutal, with fluctuating temperatures and rough storms. It is a time where you are thankful for your HVAC system, yet it is also a time when that system has truly been put to the test. Perhaps you’ve noticed that your HVAC has not been running very smoothly. This could be a sign that air balancing is required.

What is air balancing?

Air balance tests measure the performance of your HVAC system. There are two types of test. Comfort balance checks how comfortable the rooms are. AABC (Associated Air Balance Council) Certified Air Balance tests the entire system to make sure it’s working in harmony. The latter is used mainly for large structures.

These tests are important, as they make sure that the air flow from your HVAC is even between rooms. If the system is unbalanced, it may cause one room to be warmer or colder than another. The air between rooms may also suffer from too much or too little humidity. These issues may not be as apparent in mild temperatures, but become quite noticeable in extremes.

Comfort balancing

Comfort balance checks are a series of simple tests which are used for both residential and commercial buildings. By keeping the airflow balanced, less stress is placed upon your HVAC system to keep specific rooms as comfortable as others. These tests may involve any of the following steps:

  • entering and exiting a room to look for a temperature change
  • putting a hand near the ceiling to test airflow from vents
  • installing restrictors or dampeners
  • adjusting or moving registers
  • replacing the air filter to increase airflow from the blower

You may perform some of these tests yourself, which tend to address the common complaint of too much or too little circulation. Other tests may require an HVAC technician. In the event these tests do not solve the problem, then it may be an issue with your ductwork.

Stack Heating & Cooling has been proudly serving Cleveland and the surrounding region since 1976. Contact us today for more information on air balancing or to schedule a consultation.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air balancing and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

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