Furniture may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering factors that could induce HVAC effects in your home. But when more than one piece of furniture of a certain size is placed somewhere in your living spaces, you’ll notice a considerable change in the indoor air quality and comfort. That’s all depending on the type and size of the furniture as well as the layout of the space concerned.
Today, we take a look at the effects of furniture placement on HVAC systems and vice versa.
Cooling Load Variations
The number of furniture pieces in your home might affect the time and magnitude of your cooling load. The more furniture you have (and the larger each item is), the lower the cooling load and the easier it is to chill your home.
The materials from which your furniture and other home components are constructed determine how hard your HVAC system must work to attain your desired comfort levels. For example, a material that soaks up solar heat through the windows could make your HVAC system work harder, making it take longer to cool the space and use more energy.
The thickness of wall and flooring materials affects the performance of an HVAC system. A thick substance that absorbs less heat will have a smaller thermal mass, so it will not increase your cooling load.
Additionally, your window treatments might affect your home’s cooling needs. Well-fitted cellular shades are a great example. They can keep up to 85% of the summer heat from coming in through the windows, which saves wear and tear on the HVAC system and energy.
Indoor Air Quality
Some pieces of furniture emit formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a process called off-gassing. In an enclosed space, these fumes accumulate in the indoor air enough to enter the person’s airways and trigger allergic reactions and other health issues. Wooden furniture with glue components also emit VOCs, especially if it is newly purchased. Another source is the foam substance used for padding and cushioning. Room air filters with active charcoal or carbon filter parts that can be replaced can help control the spread of VOCs in the indoor air, especially in rooms with new furniture.
Solar Shading
Sunlight entering the home through the windows provides both light and heat. More solar heat necessitates longer air conditioning cycles to compensate for heat gain as well as greater cooling expenses. Placing furniture in a line of sunlight causes floor shadows. It also permits the walls to absorb solar thermal energy and transfer it into the home.
Airflow
The airflow entering the home is one way that your furniture can affect the HVAC system. The heating system’s ability to keep a room warm can significantly affect how the furniture is set up. Similarly, it can affect how effectively your air conditioning system cools the space during the summer. Consider the position of the evaporator coil when having your system installed by your local air condition repair and replacement contractor.
If a large piece of furniture is placed near the vent or evaporator coil, the airflow route entering the room will be altered. The vents are set up so that either cool or warm air can flow into the room without being blocked. The obstruction of airflow will reduce the effectiveness of the HVAC system. It will neither heat nor cool properly.
Component Wear and Tear
The majority of the hazardous gases your furniture emits are acidic. Most individuals are unaware that their furnishings may hasten the rate of HVAC system deterioration. The rusting of air conditioner components, such as the evaporator coil, is a good example. During the cooling process, when the coils absorb the gases, they combine with the moisture that forms on the coils.
On the coils, acid is generated. As the furniture releases more and more harmful gasses, the acid becomes more concentrated. The acid will cause these coils to corrode and leak. If you are fortunate enough to remove the acid quickly, you will have increased the coil’s wear rate.
Ensuring Your Furniture Impacts Your HVAC the Right Way
As the trusted heating and air condition service contractor, it pays to keep in mind the following tips to ensure your furniture will work with the HVAC system in keeping your living spaces as comfortable as possible:
- If you are planning to buy new pieces of furniture, keep an eye out for the type of fabric that comes with the purchase. It should be capable of repelling dust, not to mention be easy to clean and maintain.
- The type of fabric and material you choose for your furniture pieces are important considerations to remember. Given the local climate, it would make sense to pick those with lightweight fabrics. You may also consider furniture with metallic finishes, but only if you are dealing with moderate weather year-round.
- Keep in mind the placement of your new furniture pieces relative to the location of your vents and registers. You don’t want them out of the way of these openings. Also, avoid placing them right in the middle of the airflow path. Otherwise, you may experience hot and cold spots within your living spaces.
Your home furniture plays a vital role in your home’s overall comfort and indoor air quality. With the right choices and considerations, these fixtures will help your furnace, heat pump or AC system to keep the indoor temperatures within acceptable levels and ensure the air your family breathes at home is cleaner. The correct placement is also crucial in preventing your HVAC unit from working twice as hard to provide consistent comfort. This, in turn, helps preserve or even extend the life span of the system, so you won’t have to worry about extensive repairs due to unwanted wear and tear.
Whether you are planning to have your HVAC unit tuned-up or upgraded to a more reliable and energy-efficient model, the right company can provide the best solution for you. Trust the experts at EZ Air Conditioning and Heating. Our team is more than happy to check your AC and make sure it functions properly. We also provide heating and air condition repair services! Call us at (210) 429-9186, or fill out our online contact form to get an estimate.
