Low air flow out of your HVAC ducts can be frustrating, especially if you are uncomfortably hot or cold. If the air is not flowing like it should in your home, there are a number of possibilities.
Clogged air filters: Filters are designed to be part of the overall air flow process. If they are clogged because they haven't been changed, they will block air flow. Not only will this hold back your much desired warm or cold air, it could eventually cause damage to your HVAC system by causing components to work harder until they fail. In general, filters need to be changed every 60 days. It should happen more often in homes with a high number of pets or in an otherwise dusty or dirty environment.
Too much air filter: Filters come with a MERV rating for their efficiency from 1 to 16, with the higher numbers being more efficient. If you buy filters that are in the 15 or 16 range, they will hold back air while filtering it strongly. If you suffer from allergies or other health problems, you may be willing to trade a stronger filter for less air flow. However, if you don't need a strong filter, climbing back down the filter scale will allow more air flow.
The average family spends about $2200 on energy every year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. For many people, the biggest single energy expense is the electric bill. The need for electricity will never go away, but there are ways to spend less and still stay plugged in.
Should I leave my AC fan on all the time?
The primary benefit to leaving your AC fan running all the time is that it circulates air more frequently. This can help with more even heating and cooling inside the home. It can also help move cleaner air throughout the house, which helps allergy sufferers. Less frequent starts and stops of the fan can also extend its lifespan, because the stress of startups is reduced.
Unusual noises. High energy bills. Heat is on, but you’re shivering.
Do programmable thermostats save money?
How willing are you to be a little cold in the winter or hot in the summer?
Can you keep your finger off the thermostat?
Let's look at the numbers. Programmable thermostats typically cost three times as much as manual ones. Let's say we are going to spend $150 on a programmable thermostat, hoping to get that money back with a lower energy bill.
But can you save that 6.5 percent?
If you let your home get uncomfortably hot or cold when you are away and then burn energy getting comfortable when you get home, you won't save much. Experts say you must be willing tosave energy when you are home as well as away. Giving up one degree of climate comfort generally translates into one percent of energy savings.
How often should I change my air conditioner filter? Sooner or later, everyone ends up asking that question. Some of them ask it right after they are presented with a large repair bill that could have been prevented with a few dollars and a few minutes of work.