Air Balancing

WHY AIR BALANCE?

Do you have some rooms that are too hot or too cold? Do you have "thermostat wars" as people disagree on settings as they try to get comfortable? Do you find that you must use supplementary heaters to keep warm in the winter, and supplemental fans to keep cool in the summer? If so, having your air duct system balanced might solve your comfort problems (and save you energy dollars to boot).

Air balancing is a process of measuring and adjusting air flow to the needs of the occupants. The first step is to analyze the building loads (need for heating and cooling) in each room or area. The next step is to record the information from the equipment, and all of the supply and return registers and grilles. By analyzing the load information the target airflow for each register and grille is recorded. After this information is recorded the equipment is started and the airflow through the equipment is measured as well as the static pressures created in the duct system. This information is recorded on the form.

With the indoor blower set on the cooling speed, the measuring of the air at the registers and grilles can begin. The airflow in cubic feet per minute is measured and recorded with an airflow hood or a hot-wire anemometer, and recorded for each outlet and inlet. Then damper adjustments are made to bring the system closer to the ideal and the measurements are taken again. This is repeated until the available air is "balanced" to be as close to the ideal as is possible. Airflow within 10% of design is considered acceptable, and will provide great comfort.

Apple Heating is a certified Air Balance Contractor. Scott Robinson holds the National Balancing Institute air balancing certification, #0103107. National Balancing Institute is part of the National Comfort Institute - more info available at www.nationalinstitute.com

Sometimes a comfort system can't be brought into a state of acceptable performance. Some of the causes are equipment that is not sized correctly, or not installed correctly. More often the duct system is not sufficient to do the job. Almost all duct systems leak air, some more than others. The Department of Energy believes that duct systems nationwide leak an average of 20%. For more on duct systems go to (link to duct page on Apple site). Other problems with duct systems can be systems that are too small or too restrictive. There may not be enough branches, outlets, or returns. All of these problems can be diagnosed and corrected.

Another reason some systems fail to keep the occupants happy is lack of zoning. Zoning is an addition to a duct system that allows the system to supply conditioned air only to the room or rooms that need it. This keeps those rooms comfortable without overheating or overcooling other rooms or areas. In addition to increase comfort, zoning also saves energy dollars. For more information on zoning click here.

If your comfort system is not keeping you comfortable, why not call Apple Heating today to see what can be done about it. We can help you get comfortable and save you money on your energy bills.