There are occasions that your HVAC system does not seem to be working enough. Rooms that connect could be receiving air differently or even the rooms that are farthest from them might not receive enough air. A lot of contractors suggest installing booster fans however, do they actually perform?
The simple answer is Yes and No. Your mileage could vary based on many factors, therefore it’s best to study the places where fans are successful and where they fail prior to making a choice.
Different types of Booster Fans
There are two primary kinds of booster fans in the marketplace each with its distinct applications. In certain extreme situations you might want to mix both. But most homes will only require one kind of fan, and the choice is based on your personal preferences.
Inline Booster Fans
Inline boosters are found inside the ducts themselves, they are activated as required to keep the flow of air. They are best suited in homes with an extensive network of ducts. Inline fans are an affordable choice to completely replace the ducts completely.
Although these fans vary in the range of $30-$200 There are also costs for installation. Inline fans are designed to replace a piece of ductwork. They are usually connected to the furnace.
This means that you’ll need an electrician. The section of duct has to be exposed prior to installation. It is also necessary to decide on the appropriate size for the ductwork you are installing.
Register Fan
As opposed to inline fans fan are installed in each room , and they plug straight into walls. This is a much less expensive installation, but their power is less in larger structures. The price range is between $30 and $80 Some of the more expensive models come with a digital thermostat that can be set at multiple speeds as well as remote control functions.
Where Booster Fans Perform
Booster fan are helpful in aiding in pulling air from the air ducts and into the. They can’t fix airflow issues by themselves however they could be a cost-effective way to avoid more costly repairs.
Register Fans for Ducts to be used in older Homes
The ductwork used in older homes was not designed to work with modern HVAC systems, and as a result frequently fail to provide even heating. Register fans are a low-cost solution that helps pull air into a space while the furnace is operating.
A model with an integrated thermostat can aid rooms that receive the lowest amounts of circulation.
Inline Fans for Complex Ductwork Layouts
Most often, it is found in larger structures The problem is like it sounds: pipes are filled with complicated curves and divisions that can hinder the flow of air from furnace to rooms. The more air you have to travel and the more the benefit your rooms receive.
Inline booster fans can be placed in key locations within the ductwork in order to ensure that air is flowing at a faster rate. They aid in pulling air over registers that previously vented most of the cool or hot air into the adjacent room which allows air to move further through the ducts.
Where Booster Fans fail
Booster fan fans accomplish what their name suggests – they enhance the flow of air. However, there are instances where the root of the issue can’t be resolved by adding a few more fans.
In many instances, it is due to the state that your heating system is in and a booster fan will have minimal or no impact until the root cause is addressed.
Common HVAC Problems
Airflow issues are usually due to poor maintenance, and it is fixable with little or no expense. A common cause can be the filter in your air. The wrong filter to fit your furnace, or not replacing it regularly could cause clogs to drastically reduce the effectiveness of your furnace’s fans.
It’s an excellent idea to examine the furnace filter at least once every three months, and to have at minimum one spare filter for quick replacement.
Another problem that can be found in older houses is the peeling the duct tape that separates segments of the ductwork. In both instances the air is being emitted through the ducts, decreasing the pressure in the entire system. Simple tests using colored smoke can usually uncover the ducts’ leaks which allows for fast repairs.
Some leaks could require the removal of a section of duct from a ceiling or wall to make repairs.
Poor Air Returns
If your registers don’t put out a great deal of air It’s easy to overlook the air returns. The ducts draw air from a room, and then pipe it back to the furnace. This is crucially important for the upper floors of your house in which air has to be able to descend to the furnace’s location.
In many older houses an air return device in many older homes is insufficient for modern HVAC systems . It might require to be expanded or replaced completely.
Because return air vents are often not equipped with fans or are located in places that are difficult to reach they are more susceptible to the accumulation of debris. Dirt and dust could slowly clog your system and any other objects that make their way into.
Rodents birds, rodents, and other insects were known to construct nests in these passageways. blocking airflow to your furnace , causes your furnace to be more efficient for a lesser outcome.
Cleaning the return vents regularly and looking for debris can ensure that they are functioning properly and enable the entire ventilation system to operate more efficiently.
