Heating
and cooling systems rely on the free flow of air to maintain a
comfortable temperature within your home. Restricted air flow can
become a serious problem that affects the comfort of your family.
In
addition to throwing indoor temperatures out of balance, restricted
air flow can cause your HVAC equipment to overheat. Inadequate
airflow can also compromise the energy efficiency and performance of
your HVAC system over time.
Learn
how to address airflow problems quickly, as this is critical in
maintaining the function of your HVAC system.
1.
Inspect the Air Filter
The
air filter acts as the first line of defense against particle
contamination within your HVAC system. The hot and cold air
circulated through your home is drawn into the HVAC system through
the air filter.
The
filter is responsible for eliminating any dirt, pollen, allergens, or
other particles from the air source. Over time, these removed
particles can clog your air filter. A clogged filter cannot pull as
much air into your HVAC system as is needed to meet your heating and
cooling requirements.
Check
the condition of your air filter on a monthly basis. Hold the filter
up to the light and check to see that you can see the light shining
through. If you are unable to see any light, the filter is clogged
and will need to be replaced immediately. Keep a supply of spare
filters in your home so that you can easily replace the filter when
needed.
2.
Open Vents and Air Returns
Another
simple thing that you can do to improve airflow in your home is to
check to see that all vents and air registers are open.
You
should never place furniture items or rugs over the top of vents that
are located on the floor. You should also ensure that the louvers on
all vents are partially open. Some homeowners like to close off the
vents in rooms that see little use in an effort to conserve energy.
An
HVAC system is designed to function most efficiently with all vents
delivering air. Closing a vent can cause air to back up, which might
result in damage to your air conditioner, furnace, or air ducts.
Consider
making the switch to a zone HVAC system if you want more control over
air delivery. Otherwise, leave all vents and air registers open to
maximize HVAC air flow in your home.
3.
Clean Air Compressor
One
common cause of restricted air flow in air conditioning systems is a
dirty compressor. Since the compressor unit is located outdoors,
these components are exposed to a variety of dirt and debris.
Grass
clippings, leaves, and other organic matter can blow into the
condenser and clog up the opening through which air is pulled into
the compressor. Trees or shrubs growing too close to the compressor
can also contribute to air flow restrictions.
A
dirty compressor is susceptible to mechanical failure. The blower
motor could overheat, and the coils could freeze due to a lack of
proper air flow moving through the compressor at all times. Take the
time to clean the compressor often so that air can flow freely
through this component and into your home's HVAC system.
Air
flow is an important part of any functional HVAC system. Without
adequate air flow, your air conditioner or furnace could fail.
Contact
the experienced technicians at A-1 Finchum Heating & Cooling
to schedule an
inspection for your HVAC system before summer hits. We can identify
airflow problems and make repairs to help extend the life of your
HVAC system. Give us a call today for HVAC services.
