You’ve most likely heard the term “air balance” being thrown about by your local air conditioning and heating professionals. While many have heard the term before, they often do not know what an air balance does or even why they need one in the first place. In this blog post, we will define what they are, as well as explore the myriad of reasons for which one may need one in a given space.
But, before you worry too much about an air balance and what it is, please note that the only kinds of air conditioning and heating systems that require a balance are forced-air systems that utilize ductwork. Ductless split systems, wall furnaces, and other forms of forced air systems that do not use ductwork do not need air balance adjustments.
What is “Air Balance”?
An air balance is merely balancing the air supply (and return) for a forced-air heating and/or cooling system. With a proper air balance, the amount of cooled or heated air that is supplied through any given vent is distributed in a way that most logically cools or heats the space as efficiently as possible. Air balance is also a useful tool to make sure that any area of space feels too hot or too cold.
How is an Air Balance Performed?
Balance adjustments should always be performed by an HVAC technician that has both the knowledge and tools required to do it properly. For a balance to be performed, the following steps must be taken:
- Initial Readings
First, the technician uses a meter that measures the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) of airflow from every supply and return vent in a system. - Adjustments
Then the technician will use those readings to adjust dampers in the ductwork (dampers are like doors that can be adjusted to let more or less air through any given section of ductwork). - Final Reading and Adjustments
Then the tech will take another reading and continue to adjust the airflow until each supply and return vent is correctly balanced for space.
How Often Should a Balance be Performed?
Balancing your airflow, theoretically, should only ever need to be performed one time. However, due to remodels, changes in the ductwork, a new system with different airflow ratings, and other things can force an air balance to become necessary again. If you have noticed any extra hot or cool areas of your space, then perhaps calling United Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric to come out and check your current balance is in order.
Having Balance Issues? Call Our Experts
If you think your system would benefit from an air balance, then please get in touch with the expert HVAC technicians here at United Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric! We’re always standing by to help you with all your air conditioning repair in Encinitas and heating repair in Escondito as well!
