Air balancing is the process whereby experienced heating specialists test and adjust your heating and cooling system to help ensure that you don’t experience hot and cold spots in your home or office. Air balancing is one of the most important components of maximizing your heating system’s efficiency and the comfort level it provides. If you have pockets of cold or heat in your home or office, it’s time to call in the professional services of a Forest Lake, Minnesota, heating technician. Fortunately, there are also some steps you can take to help improve the flow of heat through your living space.
Balancing the Temperature in Your Home or Office
To maximize your heating and cooling system, try these six simple tips:
Tip 1
Adjust your registers
You have the ability to adjust your registers, and this simple process can make a significant difference in keeping your home or office comfortable throughout. Don’t, however, close your vents entirely because it can lead to other heating and cooling issues. When the weather’s cold, partially close the registers on your upper floor and keep the registers on your lower floor fully open. In warmer months, reverse the process. Work with your registers until you find what’s right for you.
Tip 2
Try a two-degree offset
If you have separate thermostats for your upper and lower floors, setting them with a two-degree offset can help keep the temperature consistent throughout. For example, in colder weather, set the temperature on your top floor two degrees lower than the temperature on your bottom floor, and switch it around when the weather changes.
Tip 3
Keep your filters clean
Check the air filter for your heating and cooling system on a regular basis. If you aren’t sure where to find your filter, how and when to check it, or how often to change it, your experienced Forest Lake heating professional will walk you through the process. By keeping your air filter clean and in good repair, the benefits are fourfold:
- Improves the air quality in your home or office
- Increases your heating and cooling system’s efficiency
- Extends the life of your system
- Helps minimize your utility bills
Tip 4
Install and use window coverings
Your window treatments not only make your living space more attractive but they also help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Employ your drapes, curtains, and/or blinds to your advantage. Throw them open when the warmth of the sun is to your advantage, and keep them closed when you want to keep warmth in on winter evenings or you want to block out the sun’s heat on long summer days. Using your window coverings to your advantage is a great way to maximize your heating and cooling system’s efficiency.
Tip 5
Watch the Placement of your Electronics
The fact is that larger electronics generate a good deal of heat, which can affect your comfort level. For example, electronics like computers and giant screen TVs can wreak havoc with heat distribution in a room; adjusting your vents can help. Further, when larger electronics are placed near thermostats, the additional heat produced can leave you cold in the winter and can overtax your cooling system in the summer. Be mindful of where you place your major electronic
Tip 6
Don’t restrict airflow
Your vents are there to supply your home or office with freely flowing air. Keeping the areas around your vents open allows them to work unimpeded. When you block or restrict vents with furniture, you make your heating and cooling system work that much harder. Rearrange your furniture so your vents have at least 18 inches of space around them – this also includes keeping drapes and curtains at least 18 inches away. If your space can’t accommodate this setup, there are air deflectors available that can redirect air flow as intended. Consult with a Forest Lake, Minnesota heating specialist.
Banish Hot and Cold Spots in Your Home or Office by Consulting with a Forest Lake, Minnesota, Heating Professional Today
If you’re experiencing hot or cold pockets in your home or office, your heating and cooling system isn’t working as efficiently as it should be. The dedicated heating professionals at Neighborhood Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical in Forest Lake, Minnesota, have the experience, skill, and knowledge to ensure that your system is functioning at optimum efficiency. We’ve been proudly serving the Forest Lake area for more than 70 years, and we’re there when you need us with 24/7 emergency service. If your heating and cooling system isn’t serving your needs, please contact or call us at 800-570-4328 for more information or to schedule an appointment today.