Poor airflow can make you feel uncomfortable in your home. In some cases, this is the result of HVAC issues that require professional repair; however, in other instances, you can make a few practical changes. Discover some tips to help boost airflow in every room.
Rearrange Furniture to Facilitate Airflow
This sounds like an obvious solution, but you may be shocked to find just how common it is for people to block airflow with furniture and other large objects. Large couches, dressers, beds, and bookshelves can partially (or completely) block vents, disrupting the path your air should take.
Start by locating every supply vent in your home, and make sure they all have at least 2 feet of clearance around them. Sometimes, something as simple as shifting the sofa a few inches to one side can help create the airflow that your living room needs.
Be Strategic With Your Fans
Many people assume that ceiling fans are designed to help a room feel cool, but that’s not all they can do. Instead, you can use your ceiling fan to create non-stop air circulation. Use the switch on your ceiling fan to control the direction the blades spin.
During the summer, have your ceiling fan turn counterclockwise to push cool air down. Reverse it when winter rolls around, so the ceiling fan spins clockwise and pushes warm air throughout the room.
Keep Your Interior Doors Open
While everyone needs some privacy, leave as many of your home’s interior doors open as possible. It’s easy to assume that you should close off certain rooms to make them cooler in the summer or warmer in the winter. However, this creates airflow issues throughout your home.
Even if you don’t want to keep some doors completely open, leaving them slightly ajar allows air to flow throughout your house. For bathrooms or closets that get minimal airflow, you can install vent grilles in or above the door to help facilitate airflow.
Keep Vents and Filters Clean
Finally, a bit of housekeeping can help create consistent, refreshing airflow throughout your home. In addition to ensuring that you don’t have furniture in front of your supply vents, check them regularly for dust and debris.
You can also keep an eye on your HVAC system’s air filters. Plan on changing them at least once every three months, with more frequent changes if you have indoor air quality issues due to furry pets or indoor smokers.
If these hacks don’t solve your airflow issues, you may need to seek professional assistance for your HVAC system. Call RBuck to schedule indoor air quality services for your Pueblo, CO home.