The summer is the most inconvenient time to experience issues with an air conditioner. One of the most common problems homeowners report is the restriction or inhibition of air flow. Airflow problems can cause significant discomfort for homeowners as the air is not circulating as it should. Here are five reasons your HVAC is suffering from airflow problems.
1) Clogged Air Filter
Air filters protect your HVAC from dust and dirt. To prevent fine particles from caking up the components of the air conditioners, we must filter them. If homeowners don’t change the filter often enough, the filter can get clogged with debris. Clogged air filters can lead to significantly restricted air flow as the HVAC tries to draw air from the room. The air filter causes significant resistance to this effort.
Homeowners can resolve this issue easily. Simply purchasing the correct air filter size, opening the air intake panel and replacing the clogged filter with the clean one. Replacing your air filter on a monthly basis can help you avoid this issue in the future.
2) Broken Fans
Fans are essential for providing adequate airflow. When your air conditioner is not on, the fan can circulate air around the room to prevent stale air from lingering. If the fans in your HVAC unit are broken, your air conditioner can’t effectively move the cool air around your home.
Broken fans increase energy costs as the cooled air from your air conditioner is not effectively propelled through the vents in your home. This means it takes a longer time to reduce temperatures, leaving your air conditioner on for longer stretches of time. An AC technician can replace broken fans in your HVAC unit and restore airflow to a comfortable level.
3) Freon Issues
Another reason homeowners experience HVAC airflow problems is a result of issues with their evaporator coil and Freon. Leaking Freon can reduce the effectiveness of the evaporator coil in lowering indoor air temperatures. As a result, while airflow may not be inhibited, the temperature of airflow is insufficient.
In tandem with a clogged air filter, Freon issues can also manifest if there isn’t enough air passing across it for heat transfer. As a result, the evaporator coil can freeze. If the evaporator coil in your air conditioner freezes, it can freeze far beyond the coil to other parts of the HVAC, preventing any airflow.
AC technicians have professional experience with safely handling Freon. If they can, they will patch evaporator coil leaks, or fully replace them as necessary.
4) Thermostat Problems
Today’s thermostats have many capabilities, unlike more antiquated models. Both new and old thermostats face challenges. A thermostat that doesn’t measure temperature accurately will prevent appropriate airflow. Recalibration or cleaning the temperature sensor in the thermostat can solve this problem. An AC technician can troubleshoot all of these solutions if your thermostat’s performance is the culprit of your HVAC’s airflow problems.
5) Outdated Technology
Like with other types of technology, time can render HVAC systems and thermostats obsolete. Not to mention, the lifespan of these types of technology are around 10-15 years. Homeowners with older HVAC systems and thermostats may find that the efficiency of their systems decline with time. In these cases, replacement of the HVAC and/or thermostat may be the most appropriate course of action.
Home Comfort technicians can help you diagnose your HVAC’s airflow issues. We provide comprehensive maintenance, repair, and installation services. To engage with our specialists to remedy your HVAC airflow concerns, visit our website and chat with our customer service agents.
