RESIDENTIAL AIR STRATIFICATION
Air stratification is the natural process in which cooler, heavier air sinks and warmer, lighter air rises, creating layers of differing temperatures. This can result in large temperature differentials between levels in multi-story homes and buildings, particularly in those with high ceilings, and can be challenging for an HVAC system to overcome.
During winter, a heated home acts as a chimney, with stratified heat escaping through the roof, especially those that are poorly insulated. In summer, warm outdoor air is drawn into a home’s lower-pressure interior and rises to upper levels. In either scenario, the HVAC system must work harder to meet the indoor load, resulting in high energy bills, added system strain, and shortened equipment lifespan.
There are a number of destratification solutions that can help negate the effects of air stratification. First, HVAC zoning in multi-story homes has many benefits and can be very effective in preventing stratification. Duct systems should be examined for design flaws, poor selection of ductwork and fittings, and poor installation that can impede air velocity and quantity and repaired where necessary. Seal leaky ductwork and building envelopes and improve insulation to alleviate negative pressure issues that draw outside air in and can lead to stratification. Return registers should be properly sized, selected and positioned in relation to the floor and the supply return to ensure sufficient airflow. Set system fans to ON position instead of Auto to continually mix air. And finally, install ceiling paddle fans to circulate air.
About E.P. Homiek
E.P. Homiek Sheet Metal Fabrication & HVAC Supply, with two convenient locations in Lakewood, NJ and Union, NJ, provides one- to two-day turnaround on all residential and light commercial ductwork, as well as one- to two-hour emergency fabrication service, rapid delivery, and competitive prices. HVAC parts, supplies, and equipment lines include Goodman, Honeywell, Bryant, Bradford White, Crown Boiler, Daikin, Weil-McLain, York Commercial, Sea Breeze, Generac, Fantech, ZM, A.O. Smith, Hart & Cooley, Malco, Mueller, and many more.
