Common Causes of Poor Airflow in Your HVAC System

HVAC systems need good airflow to ensure reliable operation. As a homeowner, this means you have to pay attention to signs that indicate poor airflow and make sure it’s promptly fixed by your air conditioning and heating service technician. Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating takes a look at the things that can hinder airflow in your HVAC system.

Signs of Poor Airflow

An early sign of poor airflow is low output from the vents, which leads to hot or cold spots in the room. More noticeable signs like drafts and whistling noises through the windows, and doors slamming by themselves are caused by pressure differences between rooms.

Common Causes of Poor Airflow

The following are some of the most common causes of poor airflow in heating and air conditioning systems:

• Faulty thermostat. Poor airflow is usually solved by troubleshooting the thermostat, which involves performing a factory reset or replacing the batteries. However, if the thermostat turns out to be faulty, make an appointment with your HVAC technician.
• Clogged air filters. Air filters keep the air clean by catching dust and other indoor air pollutants. When filled to capacity, they can block airflow and cause clogging in the air handler. Check the air filters monthly, as they can get filled to capacity quickly. Fortunately, air filters are user-replaceable and don’t require an appointment with an HVAC technician. If you have a ductless system, your air filters are washable like the ones pictured.
• Dirty condenser coils. The condenser coils are in the HVAC system’s outdoor unit. Airflow in and around the unit allows the HVAC system to release heat. Since it’s located outside, it can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris, which can block airflow and reduce its efficiency. Inspect and clean the outdoor unit regularly. Lastly, allow the outdoor enclosure to have two feet of clearance to maintain airflow.

Call Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating for Your HVAC Needs

Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating provides HVAC services, including indoor air quality testing to customers in Los Angeles and the surrounding communities. Call us at (818) 487-0671, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.