How HVAC Airflow Affects Your Comfort in Austin, TX

Do you find it increasingly difficult to heat rooms evenly in your Austin, TX home? Does your house feel stuffy or smell unpleasant when the furnace runs? Below, you’ll learn more about why restricted airflow makes your home uncomfortable and the actions you can take to improve air circulation.

Your Home Needs to Breathe

Homebuilders have made it a point to build sturdier homes using more airtight materials to ensure better energy efficiency. While energy-efficient homes save money on monthly utility costs, the American Lung Association (ALA) suggests that building a too-airtight home affects ventilation. Your home needs proper ventilation to exchange state indoor air with fresh outside air, control humidity levels, and improve your home’s overall indoor air quality (IAQ).

Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between an airtight, energy-efficient home and one with adequate air circulation. You can do certain things to improve your home’s comfort and keep the air flowing steadily.

Change the Filter

Filters don’t last forever. To do their jobs, they require replacing or cleaning, depending on the filter type. Most homes have furnaces that use replaceable filters.

The filter traps airborne particulates and prevents them from circulating back into your home’s indoor air. Once the filter becomes clogged, air no longer flows freely through it. When this happens, you might notice air isn’t flowing through the vents as freely, and your home feels cooler. You might even notice unpleasant odors and surfaces in your home become dustier. You can prevent this by changing replaceable filters every 30 to 90 days depending on how quickly it becomes coated with dust. If you have a reusable filter, refer to your unit’s owner’s manual to learn more about cleaning the filter.

For more information about furnace maintenance and other tips on improving airflow, check out Del’s Heating & Air Conditioning’s or call us for more information.