Adequate indoor air circulation is important any time of year, but it’s particularly crucial during the winter. As homes have become more tightly sealed and energy efficient, a healthy and comfortable indoor environment depends on keeping air moving. Where indoor air circulation is not adequate, living spaces stagnate and temperature consistency is difficult to maintain: Some rooms stay too cold while others are too warm. Also, condensation in the more humid environment becomes an issue as moisture spawns mildew and mold growth and contributes to the deterioration of paint and building materials. To maintain good air circulation throughout the house during the colder months, here are some simple steps to take.
- Your HVAC system is a vital asset to maintain indoor circulation of air. Make sure the system air filter is replaced at least every other month to ensure adequate airflow through the ductwork. Avoid cheap fiberglass “throwaway” filters and instead choose quality, pleated filters with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating between 8 and 13.
- Keep all vents open. Ideally, all HVAC supply and return vents in all rooms should be open at all times. This ensures optimum airflow throughout the entire system. Closing vents in individual rooms can unbalance proper airflow circulation throughout the house. Make sure all air vents are open and not obstructed by furniture, curtains, or other obstacles.
- Utilize ceiling fans. These highly efficient air movers sustain gentle circulation. Ceiling fans continuously re-distribute rising heat in rooms and keep temperatures more consistent. This helps your furnace heat more efficiently. In winter, fan rotation should be clockwise (reverse) to push accumulated warm air down from the ceiling.
- If the house is more than 10 years old, consider scheduling a ductwork inspection with your HVAC contractor. As time passes, leaky ductwork spills airflow into spaces like the attic and inside walls, reducing overall circulation of air throughout the house. Options to restore full airflow include repairing leaky joints between segments of ductwork and sealing pinholes that have developed in duct material due to corrosion.
For more advice on how to maximize air circulation in your home this winter, contact the professionals at Ace Hardware Home Services.
