The Most Common Reasons for HVAC Airflow Issues

August 22, 2019

The older your HVAC system, the greater the potential for airflow issues. Luckily, there are a few telltale symptoms that are indicative of airflow problems, but not everyone knows what to be on the lookout for. Experiencing cold or hot spots throughout your home is one of the first signs of airflow issues, as is no air or a weak airflow coming out from vents. Your AC should never blow warm air, and a pressure imbalance is a huge sign that something is not right. Ignoring problems puts strain on your system and can lead to compressor failure.

Here’s an excellent question for your go-to HVAC contractor in Chalmette, LA: What are the most common reasons for heating and cooling system airflow issues? Here are some possibilities:

  • Blocked vents: Restoring proper HVAC airflow can be as simple as making sure all registers and vents are fully open and not blocked. Move furniture away from vents, hem long curtains that go all the way to the floor and don’t set anything down directly on top of vents.
  • Clogged air filter: The system’s air filter is in place to remove dust and debris from the air while also keeping it out of the ducts and equipment—but only a clean filter can do its job properly. A filter completely clogged with debris will impede HVAC airflow, which can cause hot and cold spots and stuffy air in your home. Change your air filter not only according to the manufacturer’s instructions, but according to your system usage as well. This could mean changing it once a month, twice a month or once every three months.
  • Leaky or dirty ducts: The dust and debris that makes it past a clogged air filter ends up accumulating in the ductwork—not good! If the ductwork is too small and narrow for the size of your air conditioning unit, debris will build up more quickly, leaving ducts susceptible to clogging. Animal nests and insect infestations can also be responsible for clogged ducts. Then there are leaky ducts—this happens when the ductwork develops cracks or holes and air starts to leak out. In turn, HVAC airflow is reduced.
  • Dirty coils: The coils are a part of the outdoor unit. Their job is to release the heat that the system removes from your indoor living space, and dirty coils cannot release heat. Your AC unit has to work harder to cool the space, hence your HVAC airflow issue. Clean the coils once or twice a year to ensure proper function.
  • Low refrigerant levels: One of the most common problems seen in older or poorly-maintained HVAC systems is low refrigerant levels. An AC leaking refrigerant can cause airflow issues and reduce the system’s cooling power.

If they’re caught early, many of the causes of airflow issues are usually easy and inexpensive to fix. For more information about residential or commercial HVAC maintenance in Chalmette, LA, feel free to contact the team at JMB A/C & Heating LLC. Let us know what’s up and we’ll schedule an appointment time that’s convenient for you!

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