Vaulted, cathedral, or otherwise high ceilings can make a home feel spacious, airy, and grand, allowing beams and other architectural details to shine. However, they can also have an effect on your HVAC system and, in turn, heating and cooling costs.
Read on as we explore how high ceilings impact an HVAC system’s ability to heat and cool a home as well as how to optimize airflow to save energy and keep utility costs in check.
More Space to Heat and Cool
A high ceiling is great for adding height to any room, but it can also make your HVAC system work harder. High ceilings mean more space for the air to flow through than a standard ceiling, which means more heat and cooling needed to keep the room at the desired temperature. The more air that needs to be moved around, the more work the HVAC system must do.
Harder to Balance Humidity
The more open space in a room, the harder it is for an HVAC system to balance indoor humidity. High humidity levels can lead to condensation on surfaces, leading to mold and mildew growth. Additionally, excess humidity levels increase the risk of damage to furniture, electronics, instruments, and more.
Greater Output Required
Because the volume of the room with high ceilings is much larger, an HVAC system with greater output is required. While it may cost more up front, installing the right sized system means it will be able to heat or cool your home more effectively and efficiently, without the added wear and tear on parts and components of an under-sized system.
How to Heat and Cool a Home with High Ceilings
- Use ceiling fans to reverse airflow. In the summer, a ceiling fan draws cool air upward, making it feel cooler. Come winter, run the ceiling fan in reverse to remove trapped heat from the ceiling and push is down where you need it most.
- In the summer, keep sun-facing windows covered during day to take pressure off your AC system. And pull back those same window coverings during the winter to let natural sunlight in to warm your space.
- Seal up air leaks. Drafty windows and doors, gaps in ductwork, and missing weather-stripping all allow conditioned air to escape. Conduct an inspection of those areas and seal them accordingly.
- Make sure your home is properly insulated. Insulation helps keep conditioned air escaping through your roof and keeps your attic cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
If you have questions about how to effectively cool or heat a home with high ceilings, or need advice on a system that will work well for your home, needs, and budget, contact the indoor comfort experts at Optimum Air today.