Here in the North Dallas area, it can get HOT. And when we say hot, we mean HOT. Like, triple digits hot. So what can you do to make sure your home is as comfortable as possible when the temperatures start to soar?
One of the most important things you can make sure your airflow is up to par. Good airflow helps circulate the air in your home and keeps things cooler overall. Here are our ten tips on how to improve airflow when it’s hot as heck outside:
1. Check your air filters. Clogged or dirty air filters can restrict air flow, making your home less comfortable. Filter replacement is a quick and easy way to improve airflow in your home.
2. Inspect your ductwork. If your ductwork is damaged, it can cause air leaks and affect airflow.
3. Clean your vents. Dust and debris can build up on your vents, restricting airflow. You can clean your vents with a vacuum attachment or a damp cloth.
4. Adjust your ceiling fans. Ceiling fans can help circulate the air in your home and improve airflow. Did you know that you should run your ceiling fan in the reverse direction in the winter? This will push warm air down from the ceiling, making your home more comfortable. But of course, in the summer, you’ll want to run it in the forward direction. (Another fun fact about ceiling fan airflow – ceiling fans don’t actually “produce cold air” or bring down the temperature of a room, even though it may feel like it. They circulate the air, which can make a room feel cooler.)
5. DON’T necessarily open your windows. Yes, opening your windows will help improve airflow and keep things cooler in some cases. But it gets humid here in the North Dallas area, and opening your windows can make things more humid inside your home. If it’s not too humid outside, crack a window to help improve airflow. Opening a window can improve cross-ventilation because it allows the hot air to escape and draws in the cooler air.
6. Use exhaust fans. Exhaust fans help remove hot air and moisture from your home, which can improve airflow and keep things cooler
7. Use floor fans. Floor fans can help circulate the air in your home and cool things down.
8. To combine the floor fan trick and the open window trick, place a fan in front of an open window or door, blowing in the outside direction, to make the airflow even smoother.
9. Consider leaving your thermostat fan setting to “ON” when you have company over. Typically, your fan should be set to “AUTO” because it doesn’t need to run constantly, and you don’t want to waste energy. But when it’s sweltering outside and you have people in your home, the fan being “ON” and running continuously can help circulate the air and make everyone more comfortable.
10. Have your A/C system serviced regularly. Regular maintenance on your A/C system can help improve airflow and keep things running smoothly. If the air in your home is “still and stale,” or not sufficiently cold, it could be a problem with the compressor, the fan motor, or a problem with leaky ductwork … So if you’re having trouble with your A/C, call a professional to take a look and see what’s going on.
We hope these tips help improve airflow in your home and keep things cooler when it’s hot as heck outside! If you have any questions or need assistance, our team at Air Repair Pros is happy to help all our residents in the North Dallas Area! Schedule an appointment or call now: 469-333-2474
