Loud noises aren’t the only sign that something is wrong with your home’s air conditioner. High energy bills and warm air are also some of the signs that you may need to schedule an appointment with a professional to get your air conditioner back in good working condition. If you notice that rooms aren’t getting as cool as they used to, your air conditioner may be experiencing airflow issues. Here are five common causes of low airflow and what you can do to fix it:
Poorly Performing Air Ducts
If cool air isn’t reaching every room in your home, it could be due to problems with the ducts instead of the air conditioner. Flexible ducts can get crushed or torn easily. Even traditional ducts can develop cracks and gaps. Your cool air may be getting lost inside your home’s walls.
Solution: Call a technician to inspect your home’s air ducts. They can fix gaps and clean dust or other obstructions out of the ducts.
Old Filters
One of the most common causes of poorly performing air conditioning units is a dirty filter. Filters fill up with dust and particles, which obstructs airflow. It can even make the HVAC’s blower or motor break in the future.
Solution: Replace your filter once every three months. Some systems require more frequent changes, especially if you have a lot of pets or if your system uses a HEPA filter.
Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant, or coolant, doesn’t just pull heat out of your home’s air; it also stops the evaporator coils from freezing over. If your system has low refrigerant levels or a leak, ice can form over the coils and limit airflow.
Solution: Contact a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible. They can locate the leak and replenish low refrigerant levels. Professionals can also tune up your air conditioning system to improve its performance.
Obstructed Vents
Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your HVAC itself. Instead, the vents may be blocked by furniture. They can also become clogged with dust and pet hair.
Solution: Inspect your home’s vents, especially in rooms with low airflow. Vacuum the vent covers and move any furniture that may be blocking the vents.
A Dirty Blower
Your air conditioner has a blower that pulls air into itself to run it across the cooling evaporator coils. The same blower forces the cooled air back into your home. If the blower is covered in dust or dirt, it can’t pull in as much air. A lot of buildup can also interfere with the motor to cause long-term problems.
Solution: Call a technician to clean the blower and other parts of your air conditioner. Regular preventative maintenance appointments will keep the blower clean and help it work better.
If your home has low airflow, that’s often an indication that more problems are developing or that your air conditioner needs maintenance. Always schedule a tune-up or repairs with a professional HVAC technician to keep your home’s system in good condition without violating its warranty.
