You may be concerned with hot spots in part of your home as you operate your air conditioning equipment. While the mechanical equipment may be working correctly, the delivery system could be a source of inconsistent comfort control, especially if there are leaks or other signs of damage in your ducts. If you have noticed inconsistent performance throughout your home, especially inconsistencies in temperatures, then air conditioner balancing may prove helpful for improving your home’s comfort levels.

What Is Air Conditioner Balancing?

Balancing is a multi-step process involving the testing, diagnosis and repair of your ducts as needed to ensure consistent airflow throughout your home. As air travels through your ductwork, leaks can cause some of that conditioned air to be lost to crawl spaces and other areas. Blockages can restrict airflow to areas, as well. Major damage such as large holes or disjointed sections of ductwork can make a dramatic difference not only in airflow but also in energy usage. Air balancing is a service that allows these issues to be identified and fixed.
Can I Balance My Own System?

Because your ducts are mostly out of view, special equipment is used to evaluate their condition. A balancing specialist will use hoods at each register to measure your air conditioner’s performance and airflow. A manometer measures the air pressure, and a hygrometer may be used to test humidity at each location. A healthy system should have consistent measurements throughout the house. Your technician’s equipment will provide a numeric indication of areas with too much or too little pressure, enabling him to determine what type of duct damage may be contributing to household hot spots.
Can Damaged Ducts Be Fixed?

Your specialist is trained in both diagnostics and repair. In some cases, removal of a blockage may be all that’s required for rebalancing the system. In other cases, duct sealing may be enough to solve your issue with hot spots. At times, duct repair or renovation may be required. This may be due to poor HVAC design at the time of the home’s construction. It could also be attributed to the ducts having been designed for different equipment than is presently installed. Once your needs are determined, your technician will assist in formulating an air balancing solution to improve delivery through your home.
Can I Manage Without Balancing My System?

While you may be able to continue the operation of your equipment in spite of duct problems, there are some costly implications. Leaky ducts, for example, can double the energy lost through the duct walls, increasing your utility bills. An unbalanced system may also result in premature failure of your AC due to overuse. The technicians at Lee’s Air Conditioning Co. are available for diagnostics in your Sunset LA home at your convenience. Call us for an appointment or for more information.