Weak airflow happens due to various issues and is a typical problem in many HVAC units. Unfortunately, you cannot get the ideal indoor air quality with compromised air circulation. Instead, you can suffer problems like drafty air and hot and cold spots in your interior space. Also, airflow issues often indicate a root problem you should solve to ensure optimal HVAC operations.
Explore five causes of airflow problems and the solutions to each.
The thermostat signals an HVAC system to run in cycles to give you comfortable indoor temperatures. So, if the thermostat is faulty, your system could short-cycle and cut down your airflow. Some thermostat issues that weaken your airflow include incorrect settings, a dead battery, or dirt.
To solve thermostat issues, clean the thermostat, replace dead batteries, and correct any incorrect settings. Also, check if the calibration is off and recalibrate the thermostat. If none of the above fixes work, hire an HVAC technician for a more detailed inspection.
The refrigerant cools the air to lower indoor temperatures. However, a leakage from cracks or holes in your AC coil reduces the refrigerant levels. As a result, you can experience weak or no airflow from the vents. You may experience scratchy throats, headaches, and dizziness if the problem persists.
Manufacturers usually have a recommended refrigerant level for your HVAC. However, refrigerants are poisonous, and you should not attempt a DIY refill. Instead, contact your HVAC technician to refill the fluid to the appropriate level.
Your HVAC system has an expected lifespan. Of course, you can reach and even exceed the life with proper maintenance. But, even with the right care, degradation of different components is inevitable and can prevent adequate airflow.
The ideal solution to weak airflow problems from a unit that has reached its end of life is to get a replacement. Otherwise, repeated repairs may only provide a temporary solution and cost you more in the long run. If you are unsure whether your time for replacement has come, consult an HVAC technician for guidance.
An inappropriate HVAC system or ductwork size poses the following problems:
- An oversized unit frequently short cycles and increases the rate of component depreciation.
- An undersized unit overworks and causes parts to overheat.
- Extra-large ductwork causes a low air pressure, making conditioned air fail to reach the desired destination.
- Undersized ductwork restricts air and causes a weak airflow.
All the above factors reduce your HVAC system's ability to provide ample airflow.
The appropriate size of the HVAC system depends on different factors, such as the number of occupants. So, invite your HVAC technician to calculate your needs and advise on the right unit size. You might have to upgrade the whole ductwork if you have the wrong size.
Your HVAC passes cold air over the coils to supply cool air to different house parts. But dirty coils cannot release the heat absorbed from your indoor air. The dirt, accumulated dust, and debris also limit airflow and put unnecessary strain on your unit. Besides, your interior space feels warmer when you need cold air.
If you leave your coils dirty for a long time, you could face costly repairs or replacements. So, as part of regular maintenance, clean your condenser coils with compressed air once or twice yearly. If you are inexperienced, let an HVAC professional clean up because coils are sensitive to abrasion. Also, remember to clean and change the filters when needed, as dirty air filters increase the dirt on the coils.
Untreated airflow problems can spawn significant issues, such as compressor failure, which leads to a costly fix. So, once you notice airflow issues, inspect to identify the cause. Then, if you do not find the root issue, consult A-1 Finchum Heating & Cooling. Our experts will do a detailed inspection, solve the problem, and offer other HVAC services whenever needed.
