Instructions: Adjust HVAC Vents to Re-Direct Air Flow

Instructions: Adjust HVAC vents to re-direct air flow

When an HVAC system is installed in a new home or retrofitted in an existing home, a load calculation is performed to ensure adequate air flow to the air vents. This load calculation takes multiple factors into account, including size of indoor unit and compressor, number of air vents in the property, and the total length of the duct run. 

Even when the calculation is performed correctly, certain vents/rooms will receive less air or more air than other vents in the property. As long as the system is blowing cool air in the summer or hot air in the winter, the only way to force more air out of certain vents is to reduce airflow from other vents which will increase airflow to to other vents. For example, if a property has two floors (basement and first floor) and you are looking to increase airflow on the first floor, close some of the vents in the basement.  This will push additional airflow into the vents on the first floor.  There is no other adjustment that can be performed to increase air-flow.  Please follow the steps below to adjust the airflow:

1. Set your thermostat on air conditioning and turn the temperature down so that cool air starts coming through the vents. You will probably hear the system start up, as it does when the furnace comes on to provide heating. Ensure that you can feel cool air coming through the heating/cooling vents in each room of that zone.

2. Find the small lever on the outside of the vent. Push the lever completely to one side. You will know whether you have just closed or opened the vent by whether or not air flows from it.

3. If you've just closed the vent, open it by pushing the lever in the opposite direction. How far you will open the vent depends on how much cool air you wish to let into the room.

4. Repeat this process for all rooms, in all HVAC zones. After completing the process, you can raise the thermostat to a slightly higher temperature in order to reduce the high energy use and costs associated with keeping it at the lowest temperatures (such as those below 75 degrees Fahrenheit).