Uravnoteženje zraka:16 načina na koje možete popraviti topla i hladna mjesta i održavati ravnomjernu temperaturu

Nestalne temperature stvarno kvare raspoloženje, pogotovo kada trošite dobar iznos na račune za energiju kako biste održali svoju idealnu temperaturu. Možda ćete primijetiti da neki dijelovi vašeg doma izgledaju kao u sauni, dok su drugi ledeno hladni. Hladne i vruće točke omogućuju vam da stalno mijenjate temperaturu termostata.

Varijacije temperature mogu biti jako neugodne i ukazivati ​​na neravnotežu zraka. Možda ćete primijetiti dobar protok zraka u jednoj prostoriji, dok je u drugoj prostoriji malo ili nimalo protoka zraka HVAC. To može biti zbog više razloga. Ponekad vaš HVAC sustav može izaći iz ravnoteže, a ponekad su za to krivi nepropusni kanali.

To također može dovesti do nepotrebnog skoka u računima za energiju. U ovom slučaju može pomoći balansiranje zraka.

Što je Air Balancing?

Balansiranje zraka je metoda koja uključuje podešavanje vaše HVAC jedinice tako da svaka soba dobije pravu količinu klimatiziranog zraka. To također uključuje pronalaženje problema koji uzrokuju neravnomjerno strujanje zraka ili negativan tlak zraka u vašem domu.

Balansiranje zraka HVAC poboljšava cirkulaciju zraka, povećava učinkovitost vaše jedinice i smanjuje troškove klimatizacije.

Posve je moguće sami uravnotežiti temperaturu u domu; međutim, najbolje je uključiti stručnjake ako se problem ne riješi. Sastavili smo ovaj opsežan vodič kako bismo vam pomogli razumjeti razloge neravnoteže zraka u vašem domu i razne korake koje možete poduzeti da to popravite.

Kako znati treba li vaša kuća klimatizaciju?

Ovo su neki od znakova koji pokazuju da vaš dom ima problema s protokom zraka:

Vruća i hladna mjesta

Osjećate li da su neke sobe mnogo toplije ili hladnije od drugih? Razlika od dva stupnja nije veliki problem, ali ako je jedno područje savršeno toplo, a drugo se smrzava, postoji problem koji treba riješiti.

Visoki računi za energiju

Ako vaši računi za grijanje ili hlađenje nastave rasti bez vidljivog razloga, to može ukazivati ​​na neravnotežu zraka.

Slab protok zraka iz ventilacijskih otvora

Ako vam je hladno, čak i kada je vaš termostat na visokoj temperaturi, signalizira slab protok zraka. Stavite ruke ispod ventilacijskih otvora i ako osjetite malo ili nimalo zraka, možda ćete morati uravnotežiti ventilacijske otvore klima uređaja.

Glavni razlozi temperaturne neravnoteže u vašem domu

Umjesto da pojačavate termostat, trebali biste pokušati pronaći glavni razlog neravnoteže zraka u vašem domu kako biste došli do dna problema.

1. Termostat nije smješten na idealnoj lokaciji

Neispravno postavljanje termostata može dovesti do pogrešnih očitanja, što pridonosi nejednakim temperaturama. Na primjer, ako je vaš termostat postavljen u spavaću sobu u kutu ili blizu kuhinje, očitavat će samo temperaturu tog područja i signalizirati vašem HVAC-u da radi u skladu s tim. Nakon što ovaj dio vašeg doma postigne zadanu temperaturu, vaš klimatizacijski sustav će se isključiti, bez obzira na temperaturu u drugim područjima.

2. Temperaturna razlika između podova

Kako toplina raste, drugi kat postaje topliji od prvog kata. To stvara temperaturnu neravnotežu između dva kata vašeg doma. Štoviše, korištenje jednog termostata za nadzor oba kata može povećati neravnotežu.

3. Loša izolacija kuće

Kada vaš dom nije dobro izoliran, područja s propuhom onemogućuju grijanje ili hlađenje vašeg doma.

Topli zrak putuje prema gore, pa ako vašem potkrovlju nedostaje izolacija, zimi u vašem domu može biti hladno. Ostali problemi s izolacijom doma koji mogu uzrokovati neujednačene temperature uključuju prozore, vrata i dotrajalu izolaciju vanjskih zidova s ​​propuhom.

4. Propušteni kanal

Mala curenja i praznine možda ne zvuče kao veliki problem, ali mogu značajno promijeniti ravnotežu temperature u vašem domu. U slučaju propuštanja kanala, zagrijani ili ohlađeni zrak gubi se kroz pukotine, što rezultira fluktuirajućim temperaturama u cijeloj kući.

5. HVAC jedinica ili kanali neodgovarajuće veličine

Prevelika HVAC jedinica će kontinuirano imati kratki ciklus, što znači da neće biti uključena dovoljno dugo da pravilno zagrije ili ohladi vašu sobu. S druge strane, premala jedinica morat će dodatno raditi kako bi postigla postavljenu temperaturu, što dovodi do povećanog trošenja.

Veliki kanali neće održavati odgovarajući tlak, što rezultira slabim protokom zraka. Isto tako, ako imate manji kanal od potrebnog, on neće ravnomjerno raspodijeliti zrak u vašoj kući.

6. Položaj Vaših soba

Sobe smještene na jugu dobivaju više izravne sunčeve svjetlosti tijekom dana, što ih čini prilično toplima u usporedbi sa sobama na sjevernoj strani. Toplina sunca također dovodi do neujednačenih temperatura u vašem domu.

16 načina za rješavanje vrućih i hladnih točaka u vašoj kući

Od podešavanja ventilacijskih otvora do brtvljenja curenja zraka, evo 16 načina na koje možete popraviti temperaturne fluktuacije u vašem domu.

1. Isprobajte metodu dva stupnja

Da biste uravnotežili temperaturu u dvokatnici, možete isprobati metodu od dva stupnja. Postavite svoj gornji dio na 2 stupnja nižu temperaturu nego na prvom katu. Na primjer, ako je prvi kat na 70 F, drugi kat bi trebao biti na 68 F. To će vam pomoći da postignete željenu temperaturu na oba kata.

2. Podesite ventilacijske otvore za balansiranje zraka

Balansiranje zraka u vašem HVAC-u na početku sezone neophodno je za rješavanje vrućih i hladnih točaka. Morate napraviti neke prilagodbe početkom ljeta i zime kako biste pronašli ono što je najbolje za vašu udobnost.

Ljeto

• Postavite svoj termostat na 76-78 F. On služi samo za ispitivanje protoka zraka i balansiranje jer vam omogućuje da napravite promjene potrebne za uklanjanje vrućih i hladnih točaka.
• Ostavite na toj postavci 24 sata.
• U područjima koja su prehladna, prilagodite zidne i stropne otvore. To će pomoći redistribuciji hladnijeg zraka u toplija područja.
• Nakon 24 sata ponovno provjerite ta područja. If it feels comfortable, no more changes are required. But if the rooms still feel warm, continue adjusting the vents till you achieve your preferred temperature.
• As cold air sinks, open vents on the upper floor and partially close them on the first floor and basement area.

Winter

• Set your thermostat between 76-78 F. Recheck after 24 hours and make necessary vent adjustments as described above.
• As heat rises upward, all the warmth from your heating system will collect on the upper floors, creating cold spots on the first story. So, you will have to close the vents upstairs and in the open hall areas.

3. Clean Your Air Filters

Air filters help remove dust and contaminants, circulating fresh air in your home. However, they require regular cleaning; otherwise, they could get clogged. Dirty air filters result in weak airflow and hot, cold spots in your home.

Clean your air filters every two weeks and change them every 3-4 months for better air cleaning.

Constantly keeping a check on AC filters can be a hassle. Use a smart thermostat or smart AC controller that sends notifications to monitor cleanliness levels.

4. Choose the Best Thermostat Location

The thermostat takes average temperature readings, so ideally, it should be placed at a central location in your home. Moreover, the room you frequently use also makes a good placement area. For example, if you have a two-story building, a central location on the first floor is recommended.

Electronic equipment creates a lot of heat which can affect your thermostat reading. Keep your thermostat away from heat-generating appliances such as ovens, television, lamps, etc. Also, do not place the thermostat near doors and windows as cold drafts can affect the temperature measurements.

5. Remove Vent Blockages

If you feel little to no air blowing from your HVAC unit, something might be blocking your air vents. Check if any furniture is placed in front of the vents and relocate it. If you have no other place to put your furniture, you can get a magnetic air deflector to blow the air away from the obstruction and toward the center of the room.

6. Go for HVAC Zoning

HVAC zoning creates various clusters in your home. It allows you to set the temperature for each zone and make necessary adjustments without disturbing the whole house’s temperature. You can create and control each zone via a smart thermostat or smart AC controller.

Dual or multi-zoning helps to reduce hot and cold spots and prevent thermostat war in your home. A win-win situation!

7. Check for Drafts

In the winter season, drafty air seeping in from leaks and gaps can affect your cozy home environment. In summer, the cold air from your HVAC can leak out, creating hold and cold spots.

After finding air leaks in your doors, windows, and exterior walls, use caulking to seal them properly. In winter, your home could lose up to 85% of the heat through the holes and gaps in the attic. Therefore, insulating your attic is also important to prevent drafts.

8. Adjust Blower Fan Speed

To balance air pressure in your house, adjusting the blower fan speed can be beneficial.

In winter, adjust it to a lower speed as it helps to reduce airborne allergens and alter home humidity levels. In summer, you can turn the fan speed back to high.

To adjust the fan speed, follow these steps:

• Locate the air handler electrical disconnect box and turn off the switch.
• Remove the air handler cover and find the fan motor.
• Identify speed wires with the help of color-coding. Different manufactures use different colors, so refer to your user manual for that.
• Change the active speed wire, depending on the season.
• Run your HVAC system to test the speed. You will be able to feel the difference in the fan speed.

9. Install Window Covering

Direct sunlight entering through the window can significantly alter your room temperature in summer. Also, 30% of heat energy is lost through windows in the colder months. This puts pressure on your HVAC system, which in turn affects the air balance in your home.

Use curtains, blinds, or drape hangings to minimize heat loss and gain. You can also install window film insulation to protect against glare and ultraviolet exposure.

10. Install Sufficient Number of Return Air Ducts

To maintain neutral air pressure in your home, your ductwork needs to supply and return the same volume of air. Ideally, you should have both types of vents running to each room; however, older duct systems often have one central return vent, which is insufficient for the whole house.

Return air ducts are important as they help maintain the consistent temperature and airflow in your home. Using these ducts, the air is returned back to the system so it can be heated or cooled again, filtered contaminants, and redistributed inside your home.

11. Fix Leaky Ducts

The leaks and gaps in your ductwork interfere with proper air distribution in your home. To fix that, insulate your ductwork. First, apply duct sealant on the holes and gaps using a paintbrush. After that, wrap fiberglass insulation around the ducts and seal them with foil tape.

12. Choose Right Size Air Conditioning Unit

If you can’t think of any other issue that could be causing uneven home temperature, AC sizing could be a culprit. A wrong-sized air conditioner increases wear and tear, causing weak airflow. So, choosing the perfect size of an air conditioner is important to balance the home temperature.

If you suspect your HVAC isn’t the correct size, go for a professional evaluation to determine the right size of air conditioner for your home.

13. Adjust HVAC Dampers

Your HVAC supply ducts have dampers that are controlled by the levers outside of the duct. They open or close a metal disk found inside a supply line.

For maximum airflow in your room, rotate the lever so that the metal disk remains flat. When the disc remains upright, it blocks the airflow, so keep the direction of the disc in mind.

14. Use Two Air Handlers for a 2-Story Building

The upper floor retains more heat than the downstairs in a two-story building. If you use only one unit, it can get difficult to maintain the same temperature on both stories.

In this scenario, opt for a separate air handler for each floor to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your house.

If your AC is not cooling upstairs, check this guide.

15. Use Ceiling Fans to Balance Air Pressure

Using ceiling fans both in summer and winter can help improve air circulation. Fans help mix hot and cold air, making rooms more comfortable.

In winter, the fan direction should be clockwise to blow the air upwards. In the summertime, your ceiling fan’s direction should be counterclockwise for cooling. When the fan rotates in this direction, it forces the air to move downward and helps balance air pressure in your house.

16. Set Your Fan to ‘On’

You can set your HVAC unit’s fan on the thermostat to ‘auto’ or ‘on’ settings. The fan will shut off in the auto settings once your home has achieved the desired setting. When the fan is set to ‘on,’ it will continuously run regardless of your home temperature.

The advantage of the second option is that air constantly circulates in your home, which means you are less likely to encounter hot or cold spots.

What Does Professional Air Balance Testing Entail?

An HVAC professional will take various measurements and perform tests to determine what’s causing air imbalance in your home. Data from these tests will be used to create a report outlining your system’s performance.

Professionals use manometers to measure air pressure and pinpoint any blockages. Hygrometers are used to check humidity levels and see whether any place feels suffocated due to high moisture levels.

After getting all the results, HVAC technicians may adjust the dampers and fan speed and replace supply lines with larger or smaller ductwork. They may even install dampers if you didn’t have them installed previously.

Advantages of Air Balancing

Air balancing HVAC increases your comfort level, improves indoor air quality, and lowers your electricity bills.

· Improved Energy Efficiency

Improper airflow will force your system to work much harder than it has to achieve your desired temperature. When your system works hard for long periods, it draws more energy, resulting in increased costs. A balanced airflow system ensures that your system does not work overtime, saving energy.

· Better Indoor Air Quality

Low air circulation causes indoor air pollutants such as mold or dust particles to build up inside your home. A balanced airflow allows the fresh air to enter your home while removing stale air.

· Longer Lifespan of HVAC Unit

When your system works overtime due to uneven home temperature, it leads to unnecessary wear or tears. Proper airflow in your home ensures that your system works smoothly, increasing its lifespan.

· Low Energy Bills

When the temperature in one area of your home does not feel right, it can be tempting to crank up your thermostat. However, it can result in energy wastage as other areas may not need a temperature change. When the temperature in your entire house is balanced, you won’t feel the need to change the thermostat settings constantly. This will help you save on energy and lower your bills.

· Enhanced Comfort

Constant temperature fluctuations affect your comfort level. Air balancing is designed to target uneven temperature spots to improve your comfort.

Air balancing ensures that an equal amount of air moves continuously throughout your entire home. If you notice an imbalance, take the time to get it fixed, either professionally or yourself, to ensure a comfortable atmosphere at all times.