Maryland is known for its hot weather in late summer and damp humidity. The most significant dilemma homeowners face in this period of the year is keeping the home cool, comfortable, and energy-efficient. Although air conditioning is essential, making the most of your air in the house can go a long way in helping to provide comfort, save money through energy, and even improve the quality of air in your house.

This blog will address how Maryland residents can maximize airflow during the hottest weeks of the late summer months.

Why Airflow Matters in Late Summer

Before proceeding to the solutions, it is important that we first appreciate the reason why the airflow is so important. Ventilation is critical to the comfortable temperature in your house, as it contributes to the even distribution of cool air in the entire house. Without good circulation, your AC unit will be forced to work more.

Poor ventilation also may add moisture to the air in Maryland, where heat is often combined with high humidity. This can create an atmosphere that encourages mold development, aggravating allergies and deteriorating indoor air quality. Better ventilation will make your home and health safer, and it is useful not only in terms of comfort.

1. Optimize Your HVAC System

The first step to improving airflow is to improve your HVAC system. A proper system will also keep the air moving evenly throughout every room of your home.

• Arrange Routine Service: You need to have your system serviced by a licensed HVAC contractor at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in late summer. They will ensure the system runs efficiently by cleaning coils, inspecting ductwork, and replacing damaged parts.
• Replace Air Filters Frequently: Filters get dirty with time and limit the amount of air that flows through the system, making the system work harder. In Maryland, where the summers are humid, change filters after 30 to 60 days.
• Take Duct Cleaning: Due to time, the duct can get filled with dust, pollen, and other debris, thus obstructing airflow. When that is the case, it can be cleaned and restored to healthy efficiency and air quality.
• Install a Smart Thermostat: Smart thermostats allow you to maximize cooling by ensuring that it runs when you need it the most and that you minimize waste.

2. Use Ceiling Fans Effectively

Ceiling fans do not cool the air but circulate it, making rooms feel up to 4 degrees cooler.

• Set Fans to Counterclockwise: During the summer, fans should be rotated in a counterclockwise direction to push the cool air down and create a breeze effect.
• Use in Occupied Rooms: Fans are only helpful when you are in the room to experience the wind. Turn them off when you leave your home to conserve electricity.
• Pair Fans with AC: If you have ceiling fans, you can put your thermostat up a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. This results in significant energy cost savings during the late summer peak usage period.

3. Increase Natural Ventilation

Maryland's evenings are often slightly cooler. Using natural ventilation to improve your indoor air quality.

• Cross-Ventilate: Open windows on opposite sides of your home at night to help create an organic cross-breeze of air. Use box fans to help blow hot air out and bring cool air in.
• Strategic Window Use: Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day so the sun does not heat windows; open them at nighttime when the outside temperature is lower.
• Ventilated Attics: Ensure your attic is properly vented with ridge or soffit vents, allowing the hot air trapped inside to escape. An overheated attic can make the upper floors unbearable.

4. Seal Leaks and Insulate Well

Air leaks work against you, preventing your air conditioning system from staying cool and circulating effectively.

• Check for Drafts: Areas around doors, windows, and duct connections are all potential sources of drafts. Caulk or weatherstrip around windows or doors.
• Insulate Ductwork: Ducts that travel through unconditioned spaces, such as attics or basements, tend to lose cool air before it gets to your living spaces. Proper insulation will allow for even airflow.
• Upgrade Home Insulation: Add insulation to walls, attics, or crawl spaces to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering, keeping you more comfortable in late summer.

5. Adjust Household Habits

Sometimes, the little changes are the most significant.

• Close Off Unused Rooms: Seal vents and doors to unused areas to help keep air from going to occupied areas.
• Use Appliances Wisely: Ovens, dryers, and even incandescent light bulbs generate heat. Use heat-generating appliances in the evening when it is colder.
• Create Air Pathways: Keep interior doors open as much as possible to allow the free flow of air within the home.

6. Consider Advanced Airflow Solutions

If you want to do more than that, the higher-end solutions can significantly improve airflow.

• Whole-House Fans: Whole-house fans suck cool outside air into your home and push hot air inside through your attic.
• Zoned HVAC Systems: Under zoned HVAC systems, you can divide your home into different areas where you control each temperature.
• Dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers in the thick summer in Maryland can make indoor air less stuffy.
• Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs): Using ERVs allows fresh air to be filtered from outside and removes stale indoor air from the building.

Conclusion

The extreme heat in late summer in Maryland can be challenging. However, maximizing airflow will help you make your home more energy-efficient. By optimizing your HVAC and incorporating natural ventilation, insulation, and innovative use of home appliances, your environment will be cooler than ever before.

Do you need assistance optimizing your AC system's airflow? Contact Riley Heat & Air today!