Conscious Choice: Air Conditioning: Balancing

September 1999 | Sensible Home

Air Conditioning: Balancing

by James Dulley

Dear Jim: There are two rooms that our central air conditioner will just not keep comfortably cool. In the winter, two other rooms are never warm enough. What inexpensive methods are there to even the cooling? — Sam Y.

Dear Sam: Based on my readers’ letters that I receive this time of year, you are not alone. I would estimate that at least 70 percent of homes have a problem with uneven cooling and heating, and the resulting discomfort. This problem is not only uncomfortable, but also costly. People typically adjust the thermostat to make sure that the problem rooms feel comfortable. This means that the other rooms are either too cool or too warm. This really drives up the monthly utility bills.

There are several simple low-cost products and solutions to this problem, and they can pay back their cost in a couple of months. First, check the dampers in the ducts leading to the problem rooms. You will see a small handle. Make sure that the dampers are open. In the open position, the adjustment handle is usually aligned with the duct. Slightly close the dampers to the coolest rooms. This may force more cool air to the other problem rooms.

If damper balancing does not help, install an automatic register booster fan (Equalizer or EvenAir). These register fans are designed to fit over a room outlet register. They have contemporary designs and operate quietly. When your central air conditioner starts, the electronics in the register fan senses the cooler air. This starts the fan and it draws up to 50 percent more cool air into the room. It has an adjustable thermostat for control. If you usually keep the doors to the problem rooms open, consider installing a simple Air Mover or EntreeAir fan. These fans mount in the upper corner of the door frame and circulate air between rooms. Another effective option is to install a do-it-yourself booster fan inside the ducts leading to the problem rooms. These fans draw only about 30 watts, so they use very little electricity. There are many designs to fit every size and shape of duct. Most have automatic controls and are simple to install.

Although not quite as effective as adjusting duct dampers, installing good quality adjustable room registers is an attractive option. Their louvers fit tightly to slow the air to the comfortable rooms and force more out into the problem rooms.

Some of the ornate cast metal or carved wooden registers are truly works of art. If you have allergies, several new registers have built-in, washable air filters. Write for (or instantly download) Update Bulletin No. 665, buyer’s guide to automatic register and duct booster fans, filter and decorator registers, sizes, features and prices. Please include $3 and a business-size SASE. James Dulley, Conscious Choice, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244.

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