Do Duct Boosters Really Work?

An important facet of optimum home comfort is temperature consistency from room to room. Chilly air in one spot and warm air in another indicates an HVAC airflow issue in your home.

If you’re experiencing uneven heating or cooling, you may have heard that a duct booster or air booster will solve the problem. So, do duct boosters really work? While an AC duct booster fan or heat duct booster fan may make a dent in the symptoms, it will not address the source of the problem.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about duct boosters.

Signs of Uneven Heating and Cooling

Does your home have any of these signs of uneven heating and cooling?

• Cold or warm spots in one room
• One room is cooler or warmer than the rest
• One floor of the home is cooler or warmer than the other
• A stuffy room or floor that does not have proper airflow or has too much airflow

These are symptoms of a deeper issue with your HVAC system. To achieve a comfortable home, the climate-controlled air must move unobstructed throughout the ductwork. Uneven heating or cooling is a fairly common issue homeowners face. Sometimes homeowners try to get the air flowing with duct boosters. However, boosters only address the symptoms, not the root cause.

How Do AC Duct Booster Fans or Heat Duct Booster Fans Work?

AC duct booster fans and heat duct booster fans are designed to move more of the air from the HVAC system ductwork into a desired space. The fan blades pull conditioned air into a room, so it can reach a comfortable temperature faster.

There are two primary types of duct booster fans:

Register Fans

These are small fans set on the register in the problematic area or room. Many models have their own thermostat setting and speed adjustment and can be controlled remotely.

Top complaints with register fans include:

• Noise
• Prone to failure
• Require electrical cord
• May further restrict airflow because they block vents

Mid-Duct Fans

Also known as an inline duct fan, a mid-duct fan is a large cylindrical fan that fits inside the ductwork halfway between the HVAC source and the problem zone.

Cons associated with this type of duct booster include:

• Require electrical outlet or hardwiring
• Require a relay back to the HVAC system
• Require a professional HVAC technician or electrician to install because HVAC duct must be exposed for installation

Duct booster fans tend to be affordable options to get the air flowing, but they aren’t always reliable, and they only last for a short period of time.

A homeowner seeking a permanent solution should seek help from a qualified HVAC service professional who can determine what is causing the poor airflow in the first place.

Solve the Root Cause of Uneven Home Heating and Cooling

There are several possible HVAC problems that can be the cause of your uneven climate control:

• Clogged or dirty air filters
• Blocked or closed air vents or dampers
• Blocked or damaged return air registers
• Window or door air leaks
• Dirty coil or blower wheel
• Ductwork leaks
• Failing HVAC system
• Improperly sized ductwork

To determine the best way to increase airflow through the vents, it’s best to call on an experienced HVAC technician with the tools and knowledge to diagnose the problem and provide a long-lasting solution.

Let Aire Serv Get to the Bottom of Poor Air Flow Issues in Your Home

You and your family deserve an HVAC system that keeps your home comfortable all year long. If you’re ready to solve the root cause of uneven heating and cooling or have an ac duct booster fan or heat duct booster fan installed in your home, turn to your local Aire Serv^®. With Aire Serv, you won’t need a duct booster because your HVAC will run optimally. Call or schedule an appointment online to get started.