HVAC effects can occur from a variety of sources inside a home. Almost any object or material placed in an empty room has some result that may impact air circulation, heat gain or loss, or indoor air quality. Furniture are among the largest objects in a house and therefore can have multiple HVAC effects which, in turn, affect comfort, system components or the health of the indoor environment. Here are some ways furniture and your HVAC system interact.
Airflow
Large furniture diverts paths of airflow into a room which, in turn, may alter “comfort zones.” Placement of furniture can also reduce the amount of heated or cooled air in a room by obstructing airflow from HVAC vents. Merely placing large furniture within 18 inches of a supply vent reduces airflow from the vent enough to potentially alter room temperatures and upset the balance of supply/return air into the room.
Shading
Furniture strategically placed in the path of sunlight streaming through windows casts shadows on the floor and walls of a room. This reduces absorption of solar energy into building materials as well as resultant heat gain. Studies show that rooms with larger areas of shadowed floor and walls are easier to keep cool.
Air Quality
Many furniture materials outgas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, especially when the furniture is new. VOC vapors are known irritants and may cause allergic reactions. Glues used in manufacturer of furniture as well as foam material in cushions are known sources of VOCs. When new furniture is added to a room, use of a room air filter with active charcoal or carbon filtration can help reduce VOCs.
Component Wear
Indoor air continuously recirculates through the air conditioner evaporator coil. If high levels of volatile organic compound vapors released by furniture are present, the VOCs combine with condensation on the coil to form an acidic substance that may accelerate coil corrosion and cause leakage, refrigerant loss, and impaired cooling performance.
Learn more about HVAC effects that impact comfort and costs from the pros at Paitson Bros., serving Terre Haute since 1922.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 812-645-6859.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922