You’ve probably never heard of air stratification or ever imagined it could make
your Columbus home less comfortable than it could be. But let us ask you a couple
questions. Are some parts of your home more comfortable than others? Do you
notice significant differences in temperatures as you go up and down the stairs?
Are there times when your head feels warm, but your feet feel like they’re
surrounded by ice? Those and many other comfort issues can be caused by a
natural process known as air stratification. The good news is there are ways to
address it.
your Columbus home less comfortable than it could be. But let us ask you a couple
questions. Are some parts of your home more comfortable than others? Do you
notice significant differences in temperatures as you go up and down the stairs?
Are there times when your head feels warm, but your feet feel like they’re
surrounded by ice? Those and many other comfort issues can be caused by a
natural process known as air stratification. The good news is there are ways to
address it.
What exactly is “air stratification”?
Have you ever noticed how the air near your Columbus home’s ceiling is
substantially warmer than what’s near the floor? That’s basic physics in action.
Warmer air is lighter, so it rises, while cooler air flows downward. Rooms on the
top floor are normally much warmer than those in your basement. In homes that
are well-insulated – in other words, with few drafts to mix things up – the air can
settle into layers. You can take a thermometer from the floor to the ceiling and
notice the temperature change every couple of feet. That’s air stratification – what
happens when the indoor air settles into layers.
substantially warmer than what’s near the floor? That’s basic physics in action.
Warmer air is lighter, so it rises, while cooler air flows downward. Rooms on the
top floor are normally much warmer than those in your basement. In homes that
are well-insulated – in other words, with few drafts to mix things up – the air can
settle into layers. You can take a thermometer from the floor to the ceiling and
notice the temperature change every couple of feet. That’s air stratification – what
happens when the indoor air settles into layers.
Is air stratification dangerous?
Not at all, but it can sure be uncomfortable. When you get up from a chair or take
the stairs, you shouldn’t be able to notice a significant change in temperature.
Imagine sitting all comfy in your favorite chair. When you stand up to get
something to drink, suddenly your face is in noticeably warmer air. When the air in
your Columbus home is not well-balanced or circulating properly, you’ll probably
notice the difference between those layers. It’s a sign that your heating and
cooling isn’t as efficient as it could be.
the stairs, you shouldn’t be able to notice a significant change in temperature.
Imagine sitting all comfy in your favorite chair. When you stand up to get
something to drink, suddenly your face is in noticeably warmer air. When the air in
your Columbus home is not well-balanced or circulating properly, you’ll probably
notice the difference between those layers. It’s a sign that your heating and
cooling isn’t as efficient as it could be.
Is there a solution?
The best solution to the kind of stratification that frustrates Columbus homeowners
is to keep the air moving. The better that the air circulates throughout your home,
the more even your comfort will be. One of the easiest ways to improve circulation
is by wisely using ceiling fans. During the cooler months, setting the fan to spin
clockwise at a low speed will spread warm air from the ceiling throughout the
room without creating a draft. In the summer, you can switch the direction to
create a constant light breeze.
is to keep the air moving. The better that the air circulates throughout your home,
the more even your comfort will be. One of the easiest ways to improve circulation
is by wisely using ceiling fans. During the cooler months, setting the fan to spin
clockwise at a low speed will spread warm air from the ceiling throughout the
room without creating a draft. In the summer, you can switch the direction to
create a constant light breeze.
Improving ventilation and sealing can help
In addition, opening windows when outdoor temperatures are moderate and/or
using floor fans can move air through your Columbus home. A whole-house fan
located in your attic is another option, as it can force hot air out of the upper parts
of your home, so it’s replaced by cooler outdoor air. Improving your home’s
insulation and sealing can also help, because it will minimize costly energy leaks
and eliminate uncomfortable drafts.
using floor fans can move air through your Columbus home. A whole-house fan
located in your attic is another option, as it can force hot air out of the upper parts
of your home, so it’s replaced by cooler outdoor air. Improving your home’s
insulation and sealing can also help, because it will minimize costly energy leaks
and eliminate uncomfortable drafts.
So can an upgraded HVAC system
The most effective system for combatting air stratification in your Columbus home
is to install one of today’s advanced furnaces or heat pumps that’s equipped with
is to install one of today’s advanced furnaces or heat pumps that’s equipped with
what’s known as a variable-speed motor. Unlike the traditional blower motor that
simply turns off and on, creating wide variations in indoor temperatures, variable-
speed technology operates for a longer time at slower speeds, constantly balancing
airflow and temperature throughout your home. You probably won’t notice the air
moving, but you’ll definitely be aware of how much more comfortable you’ve
become.
speed technology operates for a longer time at slower speeds, constantly balancing
airflow and temperature throughout your home. You probably won’t notice the air
moving, but you’ll definitely be aware of how much more comfortable you’ve
become.
Ready to improve your home’s comfort?
If your Columbus home is less comfortable than you want it to be, whether that’s
because of something like air stratification or an air conditioner that just isn’t
keeping up, call the home comfort experts at Johnson Comfort. We’ll examine your
home and current system and explain your options. Our team is happy to answer
your questions and share what you need to make the right choice. There’s no need
to be uncomfortable when we’re just a phone call away!
because of something like air stratification or an air conditioner that just isn’t
keeping up, call the home comfort experts at Johnson Comfort. We’ll examine your
home and current system and explain your options. Our team is happy to answer
your questions and share what you need to make the right choice. There’s no need
to be uncomfortable when we’re just a phone call away!
