Air Balancing - R & L Sheet Metal

In it's simplest form, Air Balancing is the process of testing and adjusting your air conditioning system to deliver the right amount of air to each room in your home. The actual Air Balancing process includes a number of related tests that determine the performance of your air conditioning and heating system. Air balancing hoods are used to measure the amount of air at each grille. Manometers measure system pressures. Hygrometers measure system temperature and humidity. The results of all these tests are compiled into a report to determine how well your system is functioning.

It's not uncommon to find a system 30% to 50% low on airflow. Air passes through the equipment and carries the heating or cooling inside. The effectiveness of the equipment is entirely dependent on the amount of airflow. When your certified technician measures the airflow he can "see" system performance. With this information he can diagnose, repair and balance the duct system for maximum system performance. The end result is rooms that are the same temperature, cleaner air, better humidity control and real energy savings.

QUESTION: Can any system be balanced?
ANSWER: A contractor with the right tools and training can improve the performance of virtually any system. The more accessible your ductwork is, the easier it is to perform balancing and duct renovation work.

QUESTION: What's the difference between an NCI Certified Technician and other heating and air conditioning techs?
ANSWER: Most companies are in business to just fix or replace heating and cooling equipment. Your certified Air Balancing Technician considers the entire system and is qualified to test, diagnose, and repair your ducts as well as your equipment.

QUESTION: Most contractors tell me that I'll save big on my utility bills and be more comfortable by just replacing my existing equipment with a more efficient model. Is this true?
ANSWER: It could be, as long as the duct system is in the same condition as the new equipment. If it isn't, the system will only function as well as the ducts do. Compare it to installing a brand-new race car engine on an old beat up sedan.

QUESTION: How will air balancing solve my problem of rooms with different temperature?
ANSWER: The airflow through the system is what carries the heating or cooling. By adjusting the volume of airflow, we adjust the amount of heating or cooling a room needs to become comfortable.