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If possible, avoid placing furniture in front of a return air vent. A blocked air vent can cause your HVAC system to use more energy, which in turn can lower the life span of your unit and raise your energy bill. Furniture can also trap hot or cold air, damaging your furniture or appliances. 

Professional duct installers suggest leaving between six and 12 inches of space in front of an air return vent. If you must place furniture in front of a return air vent, try to aim for putting furniture over a floor vent instead of in front of a wall vent, and avoid draping curtains over any vent system.

You can adjust uneven airflow in your home by adjusting the dampers on the vents. However, if the temperature feels consistent throughout the home, don’t worry too much about uneven airflow. Generally speaking, larger rooms should receive more airflow than smaller rooms, especially if they only have one vent.

Deciding whether to replace just the AC coil or the entire system depends on the age of your unit and the overall cost. Replacing a coil is less expensive than a full system replacement, but it can still be a pricey repair. If your HVAC system is relatively new and still under warranty, or if the replacement cost is significantly lower than a new system, replacing the coil can be a worthwhile investment that restores efficiency and extends the unit's life. However, for older systems (nearing the end of their 10-15 year lifespan) or those with extensive damage, it is often more cost-effective to replace the entire AC unit. Mismatched coils in an older system can lead to inefficiency and future breakdowns, so a full replacement ensures optimal performance and avoids further costly repairs.

An AC inspection costs anywhere from $75 to $200, while a full HVAC system inspection that includes your furnace ranges from $200 to $450. While there's a cost to a home AC inspection, it can save you hundreds or thousands in the long run by catching problems, avoiding breaks, and saving you money on your utility bills.