On a hot day, you might find yourself fanning your face with your hand or a piece of paper. It makes you feel more comfortable even though it’s not causing the temperature to drop. Why does that happen?
The scientific answer is that airflow creates convective heat loss. In other words, when the air moves around you, your body can release heat more efficiently, leaving you feeling cooler.
Can you use this same principle to cool your entire home? The answer is yes, but it may take a little work. Read on to learn how to improve home airflow this summer.
Create a Passive Cross Breeze
In the days before forced air cooling existed, homes in the south were typically constructed with cross ventilation in mind. Cross ventilation (aka a “cross breeze”) occurs when the wind from outside enters through one window, flows through the house, and exits through another window.
The easiest way to create a passive cross breeze is to open two windows that are directly across from one another. Depending on the layout of your home, you may not have many rooms with windows on opposite-facing walls. If this is the case, try opening windows on opposite sides of the house and leaving interior doors open to improve indoor airflow.
Use Fans to Enhance Your Cross Breeze
You will have the most success with passive cross breezes when there’s a steady breeze outside. What if the air is still, and all your open windows seem to let in hot air?
This is a good time to use fans to enhance your cross breeze. Follow the same steps we listed above, this time grabbing as many box fans as you have on hand. On one side of the house, place box fans in open windows with the blades facing inward. On the other side of the house, place box fans in open windows with the blades facing outward.
Make Use of the Chimney Effect
You may already know that heat rises, leaving the upper floors of your home several degrees warmer. In the evenings, when outdoor temperatures drop, make use of the chimney effect to push some of that hot air outdoors.
To create the chimney effect, you’re going to want to open windows both downstairs and upstairs. As cooler air enters through the downstairs windows, it can create a vacuum, pulling cool air into your upper levels and pushing hot air out.
Clean or Replace Your Air Filter
We know that in Louisiana, leaving your windows open in the heat of the day isn’t always an option. That’s where summer HVAC maintenance comes in handy.
To get the most out of your forced air cooling, you want to ensure your AC runs efficiently. One easy fix that homeowners often overlook is cleaning or replacing your air filter.
AC air filters prevent pollutants like dust and pollen from circulating throughout your home. Over time, the filter gets clogged with pollutants, forcing your HVAC system to work harder than it should. A clean air filter can keep your HVAC running smoothly while reducing your energy consumption by 5 to 15%.
Keep Vents Clear
If your goal is to optimize home ventilation in the summer, you may need to rethink your interior design. Forced air systems rely on a series of vents to push cool air into every room of your house. If some rooms feel warmer than others, start by making sure the vents in that room aren’t obstructed.
For the best results, move furniture several feet away from your air vents. That way, you’ll even enjoy a nice breeze when you switch your AC to fan mode.
Turn On Built-In Exhaust Fans
You’ve probably learned that high temperatures are more bearable with low humidity. This is because of something called the heat index, a warming effect we experience regularly here in Baton Rouge. The basic premise is that the higher the humidity level, the warmer the air around you feels.
To make the best use of these home air circulation tips, you’re going to want to reduce indoor humidity. Start with the biggest sources of indoor humidity: bathrooms and kitchens. Any time someone showers or uses the stove, turn on built-in exhaust fans to cipher hot air and moisture out of the room.
Run Ceiling Fans the Right Way
Did you know that you can change the direction your ceiling fans turn to create warming or cooling effects? In the summer, ensure your ceiling fans run counterclockwise to create a cooling downdraft. Otherwise, you may be circulating the hot air from your ceiling into the rest of the room.
If you’re using stand or box fans around your home, consider pointing them directly at your bed, couch, or wherever you spend time. Remember, fans don’t reduce the temperature in your home. Instead, the sensation of wind on your skin allows sweat to evaporate, leaving you feeling much more comfortable.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
While you’re practicing airflow enhancement techniques, it’s also a good time to think about your air quality. Poor indoor air quality can leave your home feeling (and smelling) stale while exacerbating existing respiratory problems.
Consider installing HVAC accessories that boost your indoor air quality. This includes air purifiers, which help to scrub pollutants from your air before recirculating clean air, and dehumidifiers, which pull humidity from the air and decrease that dreaded heat index. These HVAC accessories are often easier to use and more efficient than portable alternatives.
Need to Improve Home Airflow in Baton Rouge? Call ClimaServe
If you’re tired of sitting in the heat, it’s time to take action and improve home airflow. Use these tips to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
Does your HVAC system need a tune-up? Are you ready for a more efficient model or air quality-boosting HVAC accessories? ClimaServ sends licensed technicians who are invested in your comfort straight to your door.
Contact us today for a quick quote on HVAC installation and maintenance in Baton Rouge.
