When it comes to your HVAC system, many homeowners don’t even think about proper airflow. Airflow problems can lead to hefty energy bills and can cause further HVAC issues. Here, Fritts Heating & Air discusses some of the most common airflow problems homeowners face with their central heating and air systems.
Air not Blowing Through Vents
If your furnace turns on but doesn’t push warm air out of your vents, then you have a problem. The most common issue is that there is a malfunctioning fan. Try these troubleshooting steps:
- Turn your furnace off.
- Switch your thermostat to the ‘fan only’ setting.
- Listen to see if the fan turns on.
If you hear the fan turn on then you know you don’t have an issue. On the other hand, if the fan does not come on within a few minutes, you may have an issue. Check your circuit breaker and see if the switch for your furnace has been flipped on. If the circuit breaker hasn’t switched off, your fan or thermostat likely needs replacing. Another potential issue can be your limit control switch. This is the module that actually communicates with your furnace fan, telling it when to turn on and off. It’s recommended to work with a technician to have this service and parts replaced. A proper and professional diagnosis will help you rule out any other issues your system may have.
Wrong Size HVAC System
If your fan is running but certain vents are not blowing air, this may be due to an undersized furnace or air conditioner. Typically when this occurs, it is from the vents furthest away from the HVAC unit. This is one of the most crucial reasons why getting the size of your system right is so important.
An oversized air conditioner will turn on and off regularly but an undersized system will not function to its full potential. The best solution is to have the unit replaced with one that fits your home or business. You can try to improve airflow to a specific room by closing vents in other non-essential rooms. This will redirect air through your ductwork and out of the desired room.
Increase Airflow Upstairs
Another common issue many homeowners face is improper airflow upstairs. While an undersized unit may be the issue, there are also others issues you should consider. First, consider your ductwork. If you own a historic home or business, it’s likely your ductwork may have been altered over time or damaged by pests.
Also, consider looking at the registers upstairs. In many instances, you or a family member may have closed them on accident, resulting in improper airflow. Additionally, also inspect the dampers inside your air conditioner’s ducts. Most air conditioners have thin metal disks that direct airflow. You can find them in the vents adjacent to your HVAC home controller. These discs can shift and be the cause of your problem.
Ways To Increase Airflow in Your Air Ducts
- Remove Clogs – Another common issue of airflow is clogging. This is especially likely if you are experiencing different temperatures throughout the rooms in your house and/or a higher energy bill. Over time, your air ducts get clogged with dust, debris and even foreign objects that may have found their way into your ducts. If you suspect a clog that you can’t identify, contact an HVAC professional who knows how to inspect your ductwork without damaging it.
- Change Your Air Filters – Without changing your filters, you may notice airflow issues. In this instance, replace the filter immediately and see if things improve. You should always change your HVAC filters at least once every two to three months.
- Check for Leaks – It is always recommended to inspect for potential leakage. On occasion, the joints in your air ducts can expand, causing gaps. If you discover a leak, you can seal the leakage off with duct tape. With that being said though, that’s just a temporary solution. It’s recommended to get in touch with your HVAC specialist ASAP to have the leak repaired properly.
Having Airflow Issues?
Fritts Heat & Air is a reliable Heating & Air service and HVAC contractor with over 20 years of experience. We provide Atlanta and North Georgia with expert heating and air conditioning services. If you need HVAC services in Atlanta, GA and throughout North Georgia, you can rely on us for your HVAC repairs and installation for residential and commercial properties. Since our inception, our philosophy is to provide our customers with quality and affordable HVAC services through professionalism and honesty. You can expect prompt service from one of our highly trained HVAC contractors to get your heating and AC system fixed and working properly as soon as possible. At Fritts Heat & Air, we adhere to high standards and stay informed on the latest industry knowledge. Give us a call today!
