Windy, Breezy, Fresh and Easy!

Correct airflow is of crucial importance to the operation of any HVAC system. Higher airflow means better heat transfer and higher efficiencies. Anything that reduces airflow such as: restrictive return ducts, restrictive evaporator coils, restrictive air filters, typical duct systems, low blower speeds and oversized equipment, lowers efficiency.

Practical Applications for Airflow

In dry climates such as the Southwest United States, if airflow across the outdoor coil is reduced, the ability to reject heat outdoors is reduced. Higher airflow helps, lower airflow hurts. In humid climates, the situation is more complex. At higher airflows, there will be less dehumidification, leading to high indoor humidities. If the airflow gets too low the evaporator coil may freeze. Proper airflow, based on the climate is crucial. The airflow effects the moisture control in the home, personal comfort, health, and has a considerable effect on energy consumption. (See Climate Specific Air Conditioning)

Purdue University data (Shen, Braun & Groll 2004) from Proctor Engineering Group Zoned AC investigation.

Given the high incidence of low airflow, even in dry climates and the limited effectiveness of the temperature split method, Proctor began to promote direct measurement of airflow. Many possibilities were investigated including those in Carrier’s “Air Properties and Measurement” SST-03 © 1978 ( a great resource) as well as flow hoods. For residential applications all the investigated methods had various drawbacks – generally, accuracy under the normal residential system designs.

Proctor found a method of testing airflow using a Duct Blaster® or equivalent. This method utilized the fixed airflow vs. resistance curve of the supply ducts to find the normal flow through the system. To this day the “pressure matching” system is considered the most accurate field test method of flow for residential units. The pressure matching method is accurate, but somewhat time consuming (unless you are already set up to measure duct leakage). What was needed was a simple to use flow measuring device with sufficient accuracy for normal diagnostic purposes.

In 2001, The Energy Conservatory introduced the TrueFlow^® air handler flow meter. This device has reasonable accuracy and is much quicker to use than the pressure matching method. In 2003 Proctor Engineering introduced the TrueFlow into its CheckMe! Programs. We subsidized the procurement of the TrueFlow meters and paid an additional $10 per tuneup when it was used. The contractors in the program initially showed interest in using the device, but the technicians’ resistance resulted in very few tuneups being done with the device.
Proctor, Wilcox, Chitwood, and others have continued to push direct airflow measurement. As a result, the 2013 California Title 24 will, for the first time, mandate direct airflow measurement for installations.