The performance of a new air conditioner depends on how the air moves through your home. If airflow is too weak, too strong, or uneven from room to room, your home won’t feel as comfortable, and you may notice an increase in your energy bills. This is what makes airflow testing so important.
Below, this AC replacement company in Lake Forest, Illinois is going to explain how proper airflow testing helps protect your new AC.
What does airflow testing prove?
Airflow testing is basically how a professional AC technician makes sure that your new air conditioner and all the surrounding ducts are functioning properly together.
The technician will measure the amount of air the blower moves, the ease with which that air flows through the unit, and whether the filter and coil allow air to pass through properly. They will also check the air pressure and temperatures before and after the coil, and make sure the fan is set at the right speed for your home.
When done properly, airflow testing confirms that your AC can effectively remove heat from your home.
Airflow affects comfort and energy use.
Airflow controls how quickly your home cools, how evenly the temperature feels in different rooms, and how effectively the AC removes humidity.
If the air is moving too slowly, the coil can get too cold and start to freeze. If it is moving too fast, the AC might not pull enough moisture out of the air, which can make your home feel damp and uncomfortable.
Either way, your AC has to work harder, which means higher bills and faster wear and tear. However, when the airflow is just right, your AC runs smoothly, which in turn keeps your home cool and your bills under control.
When should airflow be tested?
Airflow should be tested before, during, and after the installation
Before the new system is installed, the technician should check your ductwork for small return vents, bent or squished lines, or leaky spots. On the day of installation, they should set the fan speed properly, take pressure and temperature readings, and balance the airflow so that every room receives its fair share of air.
After your new AC has had a chance to run for a while, the technician should come back to make sure things still look good under normal use.
A professional AC replacement company in Lake Forest, Illinois will explain all these steps to make sure you know exactly what they did and why.
What if the numbers are not right?
If the return airflow is low, the technician may suggest adding a return grille or increasing the size of the return duct. They might also seal leaks so your AC is not pulling in hot or dusty air from an attic or basement.
If the air going out to the rooms is uneven, they might adjust the dampers, fix a bent duct, or tweak the fan speed so that the right amount of air reaches the coil. And if the temperature difference before and after the coil seems off, it could be because of a dirty coil or the wrong type of air filter, which is easy to clean or replace.
What can you do to maintain good airflow?
You don’t need gauges to maintain smooth airflow. All you need to do is make sure you don’t block the return vents with furniture or boxes, use the filter size your installer recommends, and change it on schedule.
If you hear noise coming from the vents, feel that one room is not cooling as well as the others, or see the outdoor unit covered in leaves or debris, it’s best to call an AC replacement company in Lake Forest, Illinois immediately to prevent bigger problems.
Looking for an AC Replacement Company in Lake Forest, Illinois?
If you are looking for a new AC that delivers the comfort you paid for, John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning can help. As the leading AC replacement company in Lake Forest, Illinois, our team can test airflow to make sure your AC delivers optimal cooling performance. Contact us today at 847-864-5225 to learn more.
