Reasons Why Your HVAC Is Experiencing Airflow Problems

Even the most reliable HVAC systems will experience the occasional airflow problem. If you’re feeling hot and cold spots throughout your home, pressure imbalances, or weak airflow, you know something is wrong—and needs fixing! 

Though a few bouts of hot air or strange whistling noises are things you might learn to live with, neglecting your HVAC system can lead to costlier problems. If your HVAC system isn’t doing what it should, here are a few reasons why that might be the case. 

1. Obstructed Condenser Unit

Condensing units are typically located outside of your home or in a mechanical room. If you notice your outdoor unit is collecting debris or build-up, they may be overheating your system. Remove these obstructions at least once a week with a broom. Then, give your unit a wipe-down to remove additional dirt.  

2. Blocked Vents or Registers

Do you know where your vents and registers are located? If so, is there any furniture in the way? If a bookcase or seating area is in the way, don’t allow them to compromise your HVAC airflow. Move them a few inches to the side. 

3. Clogged Filters

Yes, air conditioners have replaceable filters. If you didn’t know, you probably haven’t replaced yours! Filters play an essential role in keeping your system in tip-top shape. They remove dust and debris from the air and keep them out of vents and other equipment. 

When filters become overloaded or clogged, you experience frequent hot and cold spots around your home. 

4. Blocked or Leaking Ducts

If dust somehow manages to breeze past your clogged filters, they end up stuck in your ductwork. Because they are narrow components of your AC, they tend to fill up quickly. 

If you live in an older home, it isn’t unheard of to discover rodents or birds living in your ductwork! Thus, they are prone to developing cracks or holes, allowing air to escape. Call up your HVAC maintenance agency for a ductwork inspection. 

5. Broken Thermostat

If your thermostat isn’t reflecting what it should be, leave it up to old batteries or an outdated mechanism. 

6. A Slow, Sluggish Fan

Part of an HVAC system is blower fans that move air from ducts and into your home. When blower motors slow, they impede airflow and cause any of the other symptoms mentioned above. 

In some unfortunate cases, the fan can begin to develop grime—especially if you aren’t taking the time to clean it. 

7. Dirty Coils

An HVAC system’s coils are responsible for releasing any heat it absorbs from your space. Coils are a part of your outdoor unit and are often exposed to the elements. Thus, they will gather dirt and become unable to release heat effectively, causing your unit to work harder to cool your space. 

If you leave a dirty coil to fester, not only will it cause additional airflow problems, but it’ll also cause your energy bills to skyrocket. 

Conclusion

HVAC systems are supposed to last you beyond a decade, at the very least. However, leaving airflow problems to exacerbate can become costly—and make your home uncomfortable to live in. 

For HVAC maintenance that promises quality and quick results, work with our experts at Legacy Heating and Cooling. We help you save money in the long run and ensure that your family remains comfortable even in the harshest weather conditions.