Summer is fast approaching, and that means the now warm temperatures are about to get warmer. Keeping your Baton Rouge, Louisiana, home cool is vital to keeping it comfortable. While your AC system will work hard to keep your home as comfortable as possible, it is important to keep it well-maintained and ensure there is proper airflow so that your system can efficiently cool your home.

Having proper airflow is also crucial to maintain your humidity levels and improve your indoor air quality as well. Check out some of the ways you can improve the airflow in your home.

Maintain Your Ductwork

Conditioned air travels through the ductwork to deliver the air to where you need it in your home. Over time the ductwork in your home may become damaged with leaks, cracks, or buildup. When this occurs, the air traveling through the system will leak out of these areas causing decreased airflow before it even gets to the vents. If your problem is a buildup of dust and dirt, you should consider having a ductwork cleaning, if you suspect damage we can inspect it, repair the problems, and seal it to prevent airflow problems in the future.

Keep Your Filter Clean

Your filter is designed to trap pollen, dander, dust, and other debris that can damage your system and negatively affect the indoor quality of your air. As it traps these particles it can begin to become obstructed, which can reduce your system’s airflow and damage its efficiency. Changing your filter on a regular basis can help prevent buildup and allow you to maintain your airflow.

Another issue that may be causing airflow problems is using a filter with the wrong size or filtration type. Filters have a wide range of MERV ratings and multiple sizes. You should always follow the manufacturer’s guideline when choosing the correct filter size and rating for your system so that it will work properly and provide you with the necessary airflow to keep your system running as efficiently as possible.

Keep Your Vents Unobstructed

Any kind of vent obstruction can significantly reduce airflow. Avoid closing vents in rooms. Many people mistakenly believe they are saving money by closing off the vents in rooms they don’t use as often. Your HVAC system will expend the same amount of energy whether you have your vents closed off or not.

Yet when you close off your vents, you are diverting air to other vents which can increase the airflow to some and weaken the airflow to others. It is also crucial to keep vents clear of dirt, debris, and other obstructions. Regularly vacuum your vents with a brush attachment to loosen and remove all the dirt around your vents.

Keep Your System Well-Maintained

Over time your HVAC system is likely to get dirty. Dust and debris will buildup on the components, inhibiting their function and reducing the overall efficiency of your system. Not only will a dirty system reduce the longevity of your unit but it will also weaken airflow, preventing your system from doing the job it was designed to do. With regular maintenance, your HVAC technician will clean your system, address any repair issues, and check to see if you have any airflow problems.

Consider an Upgraded System or Ductwork

The problems with your airflow could be related to the sizing of your ductwork or the overall size and capacity of your HVAC system. When ductwork is too small to accommodate the flow of air coming through it, the airflow that comes through the vents will be weaker than it should be. Additionally, if your overall HVAC unit is too small, it will need to run constantly to try to cool your home but will still produce a weak airflow, making the task insurmountable.

If you struggle with weakened airflow in your home, contact us at (225) 320-4162 today. One of our technicians will get your system tuned up and address any concerns that are weakening the airflow in your home so you can have your system running more efficiently in no time.