Is there anything more frustrating than an HVAC system that fails to cool your space on a hot day? If you set the appropriate thermostat setting and still find yourself fanning with a magazine, you might have weak AC airflow.
As the go-to HVAC company in Glastonbury, CT, we at SM Mechanical Services have seen and fixed just about every cooling issue under the sun. Keep reading as we help you narrow down the culprit and share the best steps to restore your system’s performance.
Does Your AC HVAC Airflow Issues?
Before you start worrying about the cost of a major repair, take a deep breath. Let’s confirm that you’re dealing with poor circulation:
No Activity in Air Outlets and Inlets
Run your hands just below the HVAC vents. It’s a surprisingly simple yet effective way to gauge airflow.
Does the breeze feel more like a whisper than a steady flow? Isolated issues with one or two vents often point to a blockage or disconnection in your ductwork. If you test each one and find the airflow consistently weak, it might stem from a more systemic problem.
Temperature Inconsistencies
Living with a centralized HVAC but noticing hot or cold spots in certain rooms? This inconsistency often signals subpar airflow. A well-functioning system distributes air evenly throughout your home and eliminates these temperature variances.
You might also have an individual room AC experiencing similar issues. Go to the farthest area from the unit; does it suddenly seem warm when it used to feel cooler? Don’t ignore these signs.
Air Pressure Changes
Is it suddenly hard to open a door? Maybe the windows and doors in your home seem to close on their own.
It’s not a haunted house scenario; it’s likely imbalanced air pressure caused by a faulty HVAC system. When ductwork can’t circulate air properly, it creates pockets of pressure that produce these unusual events.
The Top Causes of AC Airflow Issues in Glastonbury, CT
Weak AC airflow can stem from various complications, so it pays to familiarize yourself with the common ones:
Dirty Filters
HVAC filters serve as the first line of defense against airborne contaminants. They trap dust, pollen, and other particulates, so only clean air circulates through your spaces.
What happens when you fail to replace them regularly? When filters become clogged with debris, the weakened flow can create hot and cold spots in your home. It also forces the whole system to work harder than it should and causes premature wear.
Unless you want expensive cooling bills, repairs down the line, and poor indoor air quality, keeping those filters fresh is a no-brainer. Check your owner’s manual for the optimal change intervals, but aim to replace them every 90 days as a general rule of thumb.
Obstructed Return Vents
Many Glastonbury homeowners don’t know that HVAC systems cycle treated air instead of constantly pulling in fresh air from outside. When your return vents become blocked by furniture, curtains, or a thick layer of dust, it’s like putting a kink in a garden hose.
The system has to work overtime to pull in enough air, which may still lead to a weak, disappointing trickle from your vents. You can go over each with a vacuum cleaner or move furnishings that might block the flow. It’s an easy fix but an incredibly effective one.
A Faulty Blower Motor
The heart of your weak AC airflow might come from a weary blower motor. This component pushes the cool air through your ductwork and out into the rooms of your Glastonbury home. When it fails to operate at full capacity, you get poor flow that makes even the most perfectly set thermostat practically useless.
Like any other mechanical part, motors may require upkeep or replacement over time. Instead of playing guessing games with your system’s internals, leave these complex tasks to trained HVAC technicians.
The issue may come from:
- Significant buildup on the fan blades
- Loose or frayed motor belt
- Short-circuited motor component
- Worn-out bearings
- Capacitor failure
Compromised Duct System
Centralized cooling systems depend on a meticulously arranged network of ducts to distribute chilled, treated air throughout your home. Imagine it as a highway for cool comfort that reaches every room.
Just one hiccup — whether a dent, a leak, or even a slight blockage in the ductwork — can waste significant amounts of energy and severely hamper your system’s efficiency. You wouldn’t want your air cooling down the attic or seeping into unseen spaces between walls, right?
Since most of your ductwork lies hidden from view, the best course of action is to stay alert for changes in your AC performance. Bring in a professional when you notice slow cooling times or rising usage costs.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
Evaporator coils draw heat and humidity from the air in your home to make it more comfortable. Their outer surfaces can frost over because of refrigerant leaks or dirt buildup.
Specialists will carefully thaw these coils and check for any underlying issues causing the freeze. Clogged filters are another common contributor to this problem, so remember to stay on top of your maintenance routine by cleaning or switching them out periodically.
Obstructed Condenser Unit
Do you see the outdoor component of your HVAC system, which usually sits at the side or back of your house? That’s your condenser unit.
It acts as the hub where heat collected from indoors dissipates into the air outside. Since it faces the elements 24/7, debris such as leaves, twigs, or the occasional outdoor decoration can block its vents. Inspect it regularly, especially after storms or when leaves are plentiful in the fall.
Your Go-To AC Specialists in Glastonbury, CT
Now you know the usual suspects behind a weak AC airflow, but who do you call to turn things around? SM Mechanical Services, LLC has you covered.
Dial (860) 296-5100 or read more of our blog to learn the many advantages of a clean AC unit.