Hot and Cold Spots in Your Home? You Could Have an Airflow Problem

If you own a forced-air heating system (a furnace with vents rather than a boiler with radiators or baseboards), you may sometimes experience uneven temperatures in your home – an upstairs that gets too hot, for example. While there could be several causes of this problem, one possible culprit is poor airflow.

Airflow plays an important and often overlooked part in the performance of your HVAC heating system; poor airflow could lead to problems such as hot and cold spots, pressure imbalances (drafts, doors slamming by themselves, etc.), and air temperature issues (cool air from your furnace, warm air from your A/C, etc.).

7 Common Airflow Problems in Your Home

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

• Obstructed vents – Furniture, curtains, and other objects could be blocking your vents, reducing airflow in your home; move them if possible.
• A clogged filter – Most people leave their HVAC 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.
• Debris in your condenser unit – Your HVAC condenser unit is usually located outside, which means that leaves, twigs, 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 leaks – In a forced air system, a fan pushes air heated by your furnace through ducts that deliver it to your living space. But leaks in duct joints and in the ducts themselves could develop, which reduces airflow. If you suspect duct leaks in your home heating system, contact us for an inspection.
• Thermostat issues – An improperly functioning 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 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 (along with higher bills and shorter-lived equipment). 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. Contact us to learn more about heating system size matching.
• Poorly maintained or old 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 a heating system upgrade – contact us to learn more.

Experiencing airflow problems in your home? Contact the pros at Vaughn Oil today for heating service in Rhode Island. If you need a heating system replacement, contact us for a FREE, comprehensive estimate on a high-efficiency heating oil-fired furnace that’s the perfect match for your home, lifestyle, and budget.