Poor Airflow In The Home? Improve It Temporarily With This Helpful Tip

Even if there's nothing wrong with your air conditioner, your home can still feel stuffy if it has poor airflow. Poor airflow develops when your home builds up with too much dust and other contaminants. These contaminants travel to each room in your home through your air conditioning system's air ducts, which eventually break down from strain. Here's what you need to know about your home's airflow and how to solve your problem temporarily.    

How Can Your Air Ducts Stifle the Airflow in the Home?

Your air conditioning system depends on the air ducts in your attic and basement to circulate fresh air throughout the home. Sometimes, the ducts break free of the air vents connected to them in the ceiling or flooring. Instead of circulating cool clean air to your living quarters, the ducts seep the air into the hot basement or attic. 

The air that does manage to circulate through your compromised air ducts picks up dust, pet dander and other debris and takes them back to your air conditioner. Over time, the evaporator coil inside your air conditioner clogs up and stops performing well. The indoor environment feels hot, humid and uncomfortable. 

You can repair the loose air ducts temporarily with silver duct tape.

How Do You Reposition and Seal Your Air Ducts?

Metal foil tape is one of the best materials you can use for duct sealing. The tape is wide enough to cover small to medium sized holes, as well as strong enough to secure your ducts to their vents. 

First, examine the air ducts in your attic and basement. Do you see small holes on the surfaces of the ducts or large tears? If there are small openings on the ducts, repair them with the tape. 

But if the ducts have large, gaping tears or damages, contact an HVAC contractor (such as That Service Company) for services. Air ducts that have extensive damages may not perform well no matter what you do during your DIY repairs.

Next, run your fingers along the sides of the ducts. If your fingers slip under the ducts, or if the ducts lift up or move, you need to reattach them with the tape. Realign the edges of the air ducts with the edges of the air vents before you apply tape. You want to keep as much air flowing inside duct system as possible. 

Gently press the two edges together and secure them with tape. If necessary, add a second layer of tape to ensure a good seal. 

The repairs should improve the airflow and quality in your home. Your HVAC contractor will discuss other methods to improve your airflow problem later. 

If you need additional help with your home's airflow or air ducts, contact your air conditioning contractor today.


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