When temperatures reach sweltering highs, you want your AC to work flawlessly to help maintain your comfort. But when the airflow from your vents is weak, this is a point of frustration because it prevents your system from doing its job. In addition to hindering comfort, poor airflow puts unnecessary strain on your system and raises your electric bills. However, to solve this problem, you must understand it first.
Why Weak Airflow Matters
Your system needs adequate airflow to reach target temperatures. When there are problems with circulation, your AC cannot cool your home effectively. One problem you will notice straight away is uneven temperatures across various rooms. Some rooms will feel comfortable, while others will be unbearably warm. What’s more, your AC will run much longer to meet the demands of you and your family, and this will cause unnecessary strain, which will eventually lead to needing a replacement sooner than you planned.
Common Causes of Weak Airflow
There are several problems that can cause weak airflow from your AC. If filters are too dirty, this can make it difficult for air to get through. The same is true for vents and registers that are blocked by furniture, curtains, or rugs. Frozen evaporator coils that result from poor maintenance or low refrigerant levels can also have a negative impact on how your system functions. Blower motor problems can be responsible for causing airflow issues since an aged or faulty motor may be working under capacity. Systems that are not the proper size for the home also struggle with airflow. Systems that are too small will struggle to circulate enough air, and those that are too large will shut off before they can move enough air to cool your home.
Signs You May Have Weak Airflow
To correct the problem, you must be aware of the signs it is happening. One sure sign is that your home will not feel as comfortable as it once did. The air will begin to feel more stagnant. Whistling sounds near vents are another sure sign because this indicates that there is a restriction somewhere. And if you notice that your utility bills are rising despite not changing your daily living habits, your AC may be drawing more power because it is working harder to keep up.
Solutions and Preventive Steps
The good news is that there are easy solutions that you can implement to get that air flowing freely. You can start by replacing your air filters at least once every three months. If your household has many people and animals, you will need to replace filters more often, such as once every month. Make sure to clear obstructions from your vents and call a professional HVAC technician if you have followed all these simple troubleshooting steps and have experienced no improvement.
To prevent airflow problems, make sure you schedule yearly maintenance. During a maintenance service call, the technician will thoroughly clean and examine each component of your system and lubricate all moving parts. If they spot any issues, they will let you know about them so that you can collaborate and come up with a plan for remediating them. If you reside in Tucson, AZ and need to schedule AC repairs or maintenance, reach out to the folks at Pride of Tuscon, and we will get you feeling comfortable in no time.