Top Causes of HVAC Airflow Problems

Have you noticed your HVAC system no longer seems to cool your home as effectively as it once did? There are many reasons this may be the case. That’s why it’s important to get in touch with our experts when your HVAC system stops working properly. They’ll inspect it, diagnosing the nature of the problem, and taking the necessary steps to fix it.

That said, airflow issues are often the culprit. Signs this is the case include:

• hot or cold spots throughout your house
• hearing whistling sounds in draftier part of your home
• warm air flowing from your HVAC equipment when it’s supposed to be cooling the house, and
• weak or no airflow emitting from the equipment

What causes HVAC airflow problems? There isn’t one answer to that question. Just as there are several reasons your HVAC system may stop working in general, there are also numerous reasons it may develop airflow issues. The following are simply among the more common:

HVAC Air Flow Problems: Potential Causes You Need to Know About

Blocked Vents

It’s worth noting that some airflow problems have very simple fixes. HVAC troubleshooting doesn’t always need to be a difficult process. For instance, if you notice your AC is no longer cooling your home properly, you should check your vents. They may be blocked by a piece of furniture or similar large obstruction. If this is the case, addressing the issue may be as simple as moving the obstruction.

Keep this in mind when organizing the various fixtures in your home. Every time you rearrange furniture and fixtures in a room, make sure you’re not blocking any vents.

Clogged Filters

One of the simplest ways to avoid problems with your HVAC system is to practice basic maintenance. Among other steps, this involves replacing your filters regularly.

Your filters protect your HVAC equipment from debris and contaminants in the air. As you may have guessed, that means they can become dirty over time, which will block your air conditioner’s airflow.

It will also force your HVAC system to use more energy when cooling your home. The result? High bills. Additionally, when an HVAC system must work harder to cool a house, it’s more likely to break down. Avoid this by replacing your filters regularly. One of our experts can demonstrate how to do so during their next visit if you’re not familiar with the process.

Duct Problems

It’s always a good idea to schedule regular HVAC maintenance. While you can avoid certain issues by practicing basic upkeep, it’s still important to let professionals take a closer look at your equipment from time to time. They’ll have the expertise necessary to identify problems you may have overlooked.

For example, sometimes air conditioner airflow problems are the result of leaking ducts, which can lead to high energy bills if not fixed. On top of that, ductwork can get clogged with debris over the years. That debris must be removed to prevent it from blocking your HVAC system’s airflow.

Again, you typically need to have a certain degree of knowledge and experience to spot these problems in the first place. Thus, you may want to consider scheduling an inspection every year before the warm season truly begins. Doing so ensures that any issues that would prevent you from having a cool home in the middle of a Florida summer are identified and addressed early.

The Wrong HVAC System

You probably already know that an HVAC unit that’s too small for your home won’t cool it effectively. However, you might not know that an AC system that’s too large can also cause issues.

Quite simply, when an HVAC system is too large, it tends to cycle on and off too frequently. This may be the cause of your HVAC airflow problems if you notice areas of your home (or the entire home) feel relatively humid. Cycling on and off frequently prevents an HVAC system from thoroughly removing humidity.

Unfortunately, this may mean you need to replace your current AC system with a smaller unit. That said, this is a worthwhile investment. An HVAC system that’s too large for your needs will also use more energy than necessary. Once again, that means your bills will be high. In the long run, equipping your home with the right system will help you save money. Our experts will happily recommend the ideal system for your home if you’re having trouble sorting through your options.

Additionally, there are times when an HVAC system is too old, which may be another reason you may have noticed HVAC airflow problems. If yours is over a decade old, and you’ve noticed persistent issues, contact our team to schedule an inspection. They’ll determine whether basic repairs are necessary, or whether you’re better off replacing your system entirely.

Thermostat Issues

Don’t make the mistake of assuming there’s definitely something wrong with your HVAC system itself if you have HVAC airflow problems. This isn’t always the case. Sometimes, these problems develop because your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly. Even if you set the thermostat to the desired temperature, if it’s malfunctioning, your HVAC system may not register the adjustment.

You’ll likely need professional assistance to determine if this is the cause. That said, you should also consult your thermostat’s troubleshooting guide when you notice low airflow from your HVAC system. There may be steps you can take to correct the issue on your own.

Insufficient Refrigerant

Again, staying on top of HVAC maintenance is important. If you don’t practice regular upkeep, you may develop refrigerant leaks.

Leaking refrigerant will of course prevent your system from cooling your home effectively. It can also lead to reduced air flow.

Refrigerant can be dangerous if you’re exposed to it without the necessary protection. Thus, if you suspect your system is leaking refrigerant, call us as soon as possible. We can address the issue safely.

Air Conditioner Air Flow Problems? We’re Here to Help

Remember, these are only some of the more common reasons for airflow issues. They aren’t the only potential causes. Either way, if you have HVAC airflow problems in the Tampa Bay area, and basic DIY fixes aren’t effective, Easy A/C can help. We offer 24-hour emergency AC repair throughout Tampa Bay to ensure you always have someone to contact when these issues arise. Contact us online today for more information.