4 Common Reasons For Poor HVAC Airflow
Poor AC airflow can make your home feel hot and humid. Depending on the reason for poor airflow, it can also cause your energy bills to go up. If your AC isn’t cooling or just feels like no air is blowing, the HVAC technicians! Schedule an appointment with LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating today. We are also available for emergency AC repairs, so we can get your AC up and running when you need it most!
Clogged Air Filter
The HVAC filter is vital for your HVAC system and ensures good indoor air quality by catching and trapping small particles such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. Over time, the filter will become full and must be replaced. We recommend replacing these every 2–3 months, depending on where you live and how many people and animals live in your home. Without regular replacement, it can create a clog, reducing the amount of air the HVAC system can pull in, reducing the airflow throughout the entire system and causing the HVAC system to work harder to produce less airflow.
The filter may also act clogged if you’re using a filter with a MERV rating too high for the system. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and refers to how dense the air filter is. It’s important to select and install the right air filter for your system.
Blocked Condenser Unit & Dirty Coils
The condenser unit and its coils are located outside of your home and are responsible for releasing accumulated heat. However, because they’re often located outside, they can easily become clogged by dirt, leaves, and other debris. If your unit looks dirty, simply turn it off inside, sweep up around the area, and wash off the remaining dirt with a garden hose. It’s important to clean the coils and condenser unit once every season, after a heavy storm or lawn care. The condenser may also perform poorly if it is obstructed by hedges, bushes, trash bins, fences, or similar items.
For your condenser to function properly, you need to maintain at least a two-foot clearance around the unit from all sides, meaning nearby bushes and tree branches will need to be regularly cut, and nothing should be stored around the area.
Old, Bad, Or Wrong Size HVAC
If your home has been remodeled or your HVAC system is older, the design may be changed or outdated, causing the whole system to suffer. In older systems, low refrigerant levels or leaks, loose components, or sluggish fans may also cause poor airflow. In these instances, professional AC repairs will be required to get the AC running at maximum efficiency again.
For properly heating and cooling space, the AC needs to be the right size. If it’s too small, it will have to work harder and longer, increasing wear and tear and electricity use. If the AC is too large, it will cycle off and on faster, which is ineffective at reducing the humidity in a given space. If you believe your AC is the wrong size, our HVAC technicians can assess what size AC is right for your home and then install the new AC.
Faulty Thermostat
Faulty or old wiring in the thermostat, bad connections, or even low batteries can all affect the function of your thermostat. To troubleshoot if the issue is your thermostat, check the display to see if it is visible or dim — this is usually an indication of a low or dead battery.
If the display seems to be working fine, check the temperature is accurate with a different thermometer. There may be a slight variation in the temperature reading, but the temperature should read within a degree or two of what is displayed on the thermostat. If you are comfortable checking wiring connections, turn off the power to the thermostat first. Otherwise, call an HVAC technician to have your thermostat and HVAC inspected.