Hot Spots? Balancing Air Flow In Your Home

Do you have that one room in your home which is always warmer than the others?  Hopefully it’s not your bedroom!  Do you wonder what causes hot spots in your house?  Does it drive you crazy?

Hot Spots

One warm room is usually the result of improper duct sizing.  The air conditioner can't supply the right air flow to the room due to the size of the duct work. This is often from the original installation. The type of walls, windows, and attic insulation also factor into this.  Even direct sunlight hitting a room, especially in the later afternoon, can cause a “hot spots” in your home.  Is there any easy way to combat this?

Energy Audit

To isolate the reason for the homes hot spots. a home energy audit is recommended.  The energy audit can pinpoint the exact reason why the room is so warm in the summer, and even why it is cold in the winter.  To find a reputable company who performs energy audits, call your utility company, and ask who they recommend.

Solving the Problem

Often temperature fluctuation does come down to an A/C air flow issue.  This can be solved by performing any of the following upgrades:

1)      Add a return to the room to pull out as much warm air as possible.  Adding a return enhances the air flow to the supply register as well.  This process can be easily completed in one day.

2)      Calculate the proper size duct work and the duct system can be re-fabricated.  This process usually takes about a day, depending on the size of the room, type of existing duct work, and the type of attic space in your home.

3)      The existing duct work can be balanced, to a certain extent.  This involves installing manual dampers to divert air to certain sections of the house if your house has flex duct work.  If your house has metal duct work, you can change the type of supply registers to an OBD-type register (opposed blade damper).  The air flow can then be balanced at the register.

Of these three methods for eliminating hot spots, the first step (and the best option), is to add return ducts to that section of the house.   If you have that one warm room, call us today and we can help.  There is no need to be uncomfortable in your own home!  Don’t sweat another day!

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