There are basic tips you should be aware of when heating or cooling your home to get great comfort. In addition, when that heating or cooling bill shows up, you want it to be as low as possible! Here is information we dug up that should really help.
Most all forced-air systems have balancing dampers in the branch ducts that lead to the rooms. These dampers are close to the plenum to which the ducts are connected. There normally is a handle on the outside of the duct that controls the damper. When the handle is parallel to the duct, the damper is wide open, and air flows freely through the duct. When the handle is perpendicular to the duct, the damper is closed. Unless you are a HVAC expert, you should probably have a professional evaluate your house’s duct system and its airflow. This is important because even a little adjustment to the dampers can have a big impact on air flow. Even a 1/4 inch adjustment to the damper can increase or decrease airflow in the amount of 100 to 200 cubic feet per minute.
Another thing homeowners can do to get better airflow performance and comfort is to continually run the systems fan. Constant air flow mixes the air between rooms and between your house’s floors. This can even out temperature differences and believe it or not, increase the life of the fan. This is because the fan will no longer have to constantly start and stop. Last but not least, talk to your professional HVAC person about the duct configuration in your home. You can have separate heating and cooling zones on each floor. This can conserve lots of energy.
Hope this post of information keeps more money in your piggy bank, and keeps you more comfortable in your home too!!
I get the idea that this is something all home owners should consider. It seems that in most instances, it makes sense to call a experienced HVAC guy though!