Air Balancing Is Vital For Commercial HVAC Systems

Air balancing is a term for the complicated process of adjusting an HVAC system to push air properly. This equipment relies on a variety of moving pieces including ductwork, a heat pump, dampers, and many more. If you own or run a commercial property, it is important to understand what causes air balancing issues and how to fix them.

Why do HVAC systems become unbalanced?

Air balancing should be done when an HVAC system is installed. Although the balancing done in this phase should hold, sometimes parts break down. This can result in issues with air flow. Here are some other things that can result in unbalanced airflow.

• Adding furniture
• Expanding rooms
• Changing windows
• Upgrading insulation
• Doors opening more than usual
• Adding computers, equipment, or machinery
• Not using rooms as frequently

Why unbalanced airflow is bad

This issue may not seem like a big deal, but it can affect your comfort and your wallet. One room may feel cooler or warmer than another, but you may not notice the difference until you enter the other room. This means that your system might be using more energy than is necessary. Also, if your property becomes depressurized, outdoor air could be contaminating indoor air.

No matter what type of business you run, making sure that all of your systems are running smoothly is vital. Unbalanced airflow wastes your money and can ruin your HVAC system over time. Also, if your employees and customers are not comfortable, they won’t want to be in the building.

Air balancing tests

Testing for airflow issues is the best way to find out if your HVAC system needs to be balanced. One way to know testing is necessary is if one room is cooler or warmer than another. Professional testing can provide more specific information.

1. First, the technicians will need to understand the design of your building and HVAC system. If you have any blueprints for either, you should share them with the tech. If you don’t have documentation, they will need to research the design of your system based on model and part numbers and visual inspection.
2. During the inspection, the HVAC tech will look for any issues in the ductwork. They will likely turn the heater or air conditioner on to make sure something else isn’t going on. This is a good opportunity to do a general inspection.
3. Next, the technician will use a hood to test the air flow from multiple registers and returns. This tool lets them get an accurate reading each time.
4. Finally, the HVAC tech will compare their readings with what your system is rated for.

Once all the results have been compiled from testing, your HVAC tech will come up with a plan to balance the airflow. They may also find other issues in the process, like the following.

• Damaged ductwork
• Ductwork sizing issues
• Blockages in the duct or lines
• System design issues

Commercial HVAC services in Amarillo, Texas

If you think your business may be experiencing air balancing issues, contact Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical in Amarillo. We provide Commercial HVAC services throughout the Texas Panhandle and Tri-State area. Give us a call at (806) 376-8345 to learn more.