Most people can tell when their HVAC system is having issues, whether it’s making unusual noises, running for longer than usual, or not cooling/heating their home as it should. Airflow problems can cause strange sounds and other symptoms, but what causes them? There are several things that might impact your system’s airflow, but you should leave repairs to your Austin heating and cooling professional.
Some of the top causes of airflow problems with an HVAC system include:
An AC system that’s too large for your home. When the HVAC system is oversized, it will not cool properly or remove humidity due to cycling off quickly. An oversize system cools a small space faster than a system that’s properly sized, so it doesn’t run as long as it needs to to cool the space and remove excess moisture from the air. The result? You’ll feel stuffy and uncomfortable.
Air registers (vents) are blocked. If the airflow seems weak, check to make sure your registers are open and that they aren’t blocked by drapes, rugs, furniture, etc.
Dirty filters. We repeat this all the time, but it’s easy to forget to change or clean your filters. A filter that’s clogged with dust, pollen, pet dander, hair and other debris will impede airflow. Check your filters!
Condenser unit obstructions. Your condenser unit may be located inside in a mechanical room, or outdoors. Regardless, anything that is around it such as items you’ve stored if yours is indoors or leaves, sticks, pine needles, shrubs or other things outdoors can impede airflow and even cause your AC to overheat, resulting in poor performance. Make sure there is plenty of open space around your condenser unit for optimal performance.
Dirty condenser coil. The condenser coil works to release heat from your indoor spaces, but because it is an outdoor component it is exposed to elements such as dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris that can build up and cause your AC system to work harder when trying to cool your home. It’s always a good idea to have your HVAC contractor clean the coils when making repairs or performing seasonal maintenance on your cooling and heating system.
These are a few of the primary causes of airflow problems with an HVAC system. If you have noticed no air is coming from air registers, the airflow is weaker than usual, or there are spots in your home that seem colder or warmer than normal, give our Austin HVAC experts a call today. At Schneider Mechanical, no problem is too small or too large for our professionals to handle!
