Check Your HVAC System’s Ductwork Regularly for IssuesIf your energy bills were high this summer when you ran the air conditioner or you have uncomfortable spaces inside your home, you might have ductwork obstructions. Continue reading “Ductwork Obstructions Might Be the Culprit When it Comes to Home Inefficiencies”
How Drier Air Can Increase Comfort
Generations of Long Islanders have wondered whether it’s really possible to take the sweat out of summer — that unique sweat that’s spawned by humidity. While you can’t control humidity levels outdoors, you can certainly take the upper hand with indoor humidity if you install a dehumidifier. Continue reading “Take the Sweat Out of Summer When You Install a Dehumidifier”
A Holistic Approach to Your New AC Will Help You Find an Ideal System
If you’re looking for a new air conditioner, there are many factors to consider. Continue reading “Your New Air Conditioner: Looking Beyond the SEER Ratings”
Clean Air is an Important to Your Home’s Overall Environmental Health
Your home’s indoor air quality is of vital importance. Keeping tabs on air quality and making necessary adjustments will keep contaminants out of your home as we approach summer in the Long Island area. Continue reading “Check Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality”
Allergy Season is Here, Learn What You Can Do About Pollen
When temperatures start to warm up around Long Island, allergies appear. Most allergies are caused by the presence and movement of pollen and dust through the air. Continue reading “What Can You Do To Ease Allergies Indoors? 3 Tips”
Household mold is a serious problem for homeowners in the Long Island area. Excess mold is a grave health concern and it can also damage your house and furnishings.To keep mold at bay, there are some simple things you can do before hose mold takes over: Continue reading “House Mold Prevention Basics”
You may have the newest, most energy efficient heating and air equipment, or maybe your system getting on in years but still performing well. Whichever is your situation, a sure way to get the most out of either is to check your air ducts.
Continue reading “Sealing Air Ducts for Savings”
If it seems that some of the rooms in your home are comfortable while others are too cool, too warm or stuffy, it could be your air returns. Most homeowners don’t really think about the air ducts; as long as your HVAC system seems to be functioning, all is OK. In reality, it could be that inadequate return air ducting is the reason your home isn’t quite as comfortable as you would like.
For the air in your home to feel consistent and comfortable in every room, it is necessary that stale air is drawn out of the room so that heated supply air can enter the room. This is why it is desirable that air returns are placed in all major rooms, such as the living room, bedrooms and kitchen.
When return air ducts are located only in one or two rooms, the newly heated air coming in to your home has to force through the air in all of the rooms, making your HVAC system work harder. This also means an inconsistency in temperatures throughout your home.
We know that you don’t give these details much thought; we simply want you to be aware that air returns are essential to your family’s comfort, and to your HVAC system working as efficiently as possible.
If your home is lacking in return air ducts, consider having more installed. Avoid placing furniture over air returns, or blocking them with wall coverings or other items if located in the wall. Also, consider having a professional check your return air ducts for air leaks and proper air flow. You will save on energy costs, and your family will remain comfortable no matter what room they are in.
T.F. O’Brien services the Long Island, New York area. We strive to educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). You can find more information about air returns and other HVAC topics by downloading our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
