Welcome to Ready & Able, formerly known as David LeRoy Plumbing! Although our name and brand have changed, we are still here to serve you and all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality needs!
Summers in Harrisburg, PA, can bring serious heat and humidity. Your AC will likely work in overtime mode to keep you cool, especially when the temperature peaks in July. Smooth airflow plays a big role in keeping your home comfortable during this part of the year.
Without it, you’ll experience uneven cooling, higher cooling costs, and unnecessary strain on the AC. With a few simple adjustments, it’s easy to improve airflow and boost your AC’s performance.
Keep the Air Filter Changed
You must make it a priority to keep the AC’s air filter changed regularly. Dirty filters reduce cooling efficiency by blocking airflow and making your system work harder. They make it nearly impossible to keep temperatures consistent from room to room. By keeping the filter changed at least once a month during the summer, the AC will run more smoothly and cool your home more effectively. If you cool your home with a ductless AC, you need to keep the filter changed every two weeks.
Schedule Duct Cleaning
Dust and debris (e.g., pet hair, pollen, dirt) will build up in your air ducts over time. As they accumulate, they block airflow. You may notice more dust and allergies, despite regular cleaning. The only way to remove the dust and debris accumulation is to book a duct cleaning visit. We’ll thoroughly clean and sanitize your ducts so air can move freely throughout your whole home. You’ll enjoy better comfort, lower energy bills, and enhanced indoor air quality.
Keep All Air Vents Open
You might think you can save money on cooling costs by closing air vents in unused rooms. However, the truth is, this will restrict airflow and create pressure imbalances. As a result, you’ll likely experience uneven cooling. The AC will have to work overtime as it tries to compensate for the blocked airflow, which causes extreme wear and tear. By keeping all vents open, you’ll allow the system to maintain a balanced temperature throughout your whole home.
Install Additional Return Vents
Return vents work by pulling air back into the AC for reconditioning. This helps improve airflow by enhancing circulation and preventing pressure buildup. The best places to add return vents include bedrooms, hallways, large living rooms, and near the HVAC unit itself.
Upgrade to a Variable-Speed Blower
Regular cooling systems operate at a single speed, which can translate into inefficient airflow. Those with variable-speed blowers can adjust their speed based on your home’s unique cooling requirements. This not only improves airflow but also helps with humidity control. You’ll need to speak with one of our HVAC technicians to learn more about upgrading your AC with a variable-speed blower.
Seal Duct Leaks
You don’t want leaky ducts because they let conditioned air escape into places where it doesn’t belong. This causes parts to wear out faster on the AC as it struggles to keep the home cool. The best way to seal duct leaks is with mastic sealant or metal tape, but it’s a job best left to the pros. If your ducts have severe holes or damage, a complete duct replacement might be necessary.
Add Duct Insulation
Ducts that don’t have insulation will let conditioned air escape into unconditioned areas like crawl spaces or attics. This can lead to problems like higher energy bills and uneven temperature distribution. Adding insulation to the ducts will improve the AC’s overall efficiency and make the home more comfortable.
Use Ceiling Fans Strategically
Ceiling fans can be your AC’s best friend if you use them strategically. They must be set to rotate counterclockwise during the summer. This creates a wind chill effect, making rooms feel cooler. You’ll be able to raise the thermostat without getting too hot.
Keep Interior Doors Open
Closed doors might seem like a good idea for privacy and noise reduction. However, they cause major issues with airflow because they restrict the return path for air back to the AC. You can keep the temperature in your house more uniform by keeping the inside doors open, which allows more air to circulate.
Install Attic Ventilation
As hot air accumulates in the attic, it increases the temperature in your living spaces. By adding attic vents, you’ll help expel the hot air. This reduces the burden on the AC by increasing airflow.
Upgrade the Thermostat
Programmable and smart thermostats enable your HVAC system to operate according to your daily routine and cooling demands. They can adjust the fan speed and direction to keep the air moving uniformly throughout the whole house. Some high-tech thermostats can even track changes in interior temperature and humidity. This triggers the system to make fine-tuned adjustments to maintain a constant and balanced airflow.
Consider a Whole-Home Dehumidifier
Excess humidity in your home will make rooms feel warmer than they actually are. It affects airflow by making the air feel heavier and reducing the system’s ability to cool effectively. Installing a whole-home dehumidifier can remove the extra moisture so you feel cooler. You’ll use the AC less, which means cheaper cooling costs, and you’ll also enjoy better air quality. Plus, since there’s less moisture, you won’t have to worry as much about mold growth.
Seal Gaps Around Doors and Windows
Air leaks around doors and windows are major contributors to airflow problems. The holes not only allow cool air to escape the house but also let hot air inside. Sealing the holes with weatherstripping or caulk will make it much easier for the AC to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear of Landscaping
Your AC has two parts to it: the indoor air handler(s) and the outdoor condenser unit. Both parts must have adequate airflow to function correctly. To maintain optimal airflow for the outdoor unit, you’ll need to keep all shrubs and landscaping at least two feet away. You’ll also need to be careful when mowing.
You don’t want any grass clippings or debris pulled into the condenser fins. If this happens, it will block airflow and cause the unit to overheat. It can also damage the compressor, rendering the whole system useless. Using a grass catcher is a great way to prevent clippings from getting into the unit and blocking airflow.
Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air is one of Harrisburg’s best heating and cooling companies. We offer HVAC repairs, installations, and air conditioning tune-ups. Our duct cleaning services help improve airflow throughout the whole house.
Call Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air today to schedule expert HVAC services in Harrisburg.
Welcome to Ready & Able, formerly known as David LeRoy Plumbing! Although our name and brand have changed, we are still here to serve you and all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality needs!