hvac airflow problems: things you should know

Your air conditioner's airflow may deteriorate without regular maintenance and tune-ups. Maintaining your air conditioner properly will ensure that it performs at peak efficiency and trouble-free throughout the summer. Consider reading on for guidance with fixing typical issues with airflow in your HVAC system.

Unfortunately, this is highly specialized information that is typically only in the heads of the privileged people who have gotten training in HVAC. Some of the most common difficulties with HVAC airflow, however, may be fixed by anybody without specialized HVAC knowledge.

Locating and Fixing Frequent HVAC Airflow Issues

While we've covered the basics of AC troubleshooting, issues with air circulation require a more nuanced approach. These problems, as you might expect, involve the distribution of heated or cooled air throughout your home.

Some of these problems can only be solved with expert ductwork, while others may be addressed with minimal effort on your part.

Filtration Systems Blocked

When air filters become clogged, the quality and quantity of the airflow are both severely diminished. Nobody likes it when lousy, dirty, or maybe odorous air is blasted in their way, much less when it is blown all over their house or workplace. If your air filter is clogged, you can remedy the problem by replacing it. Depending on the brand and manufacturer, a new air filter may come with its own set of instructions for installation.

Leaking Ducts

On the flip side, HVAC systems can be inefficient. Less air will circulate throughout your home if the vents for your air conditioner aren't properly sealed or linked. Finding the source of duct leaks is the first step in fixing them. Depending on the size and sophistication of the HVAC system, this may be a job best left to the experts on occasion. A good rule of thumb is to call a specialist who specializes in airflow concerns if you start researching leaking ducts but cannot pinpoint the source of these ducts.

How to Maximizing Airflow: A Guide

There may also be a problem with insufficient ventilation on the upper level of the house. While the aforementioned issue of an inadequately sized unit is certainly to blame here, there are other factors to think about.

Your ductwork is the first. The ductwork in your home may have been damaged at some point if it is an older property. Warping and pinching of the thin metal parts that make up these ducts over time can restrict the amount of air that reaches your second level.

Even if you don't plan on buying anything, perusing the cash registers in the upper level is a good idea. It only takes a bump of furniture or a foot on the switch for your registers to close on their own.

The dampers inside the ducts of your air conditioner should also be inspected. Thin metal disks are commonly used to direct airflow in air conditioners. They are located in the vents near your thermostat in your home. Your problem is solved if one of these discs has slipped out of place and is now lodged in the ductwork running to the upper floors. The vent may be easily reinstalled by slid back into the tabs that hold it in place.

Conclusion

While the average person can fix many basic HVAC airflow problems on their own, there are many more that can only be addressed by those with extensive HVAC knowledge. If you and your loved ones are still having difficulties with the ventilation, it may be time to call in an HVAC expert.