Unsurprisingly, 100 million homes in the U.S. have an air conditioning system. That’s 88% of all residential households. It shows we’re dependent on these systems to keep cool air flowing and keep us comfortable, but what happens when there’s a disruption to that airflow?

A problem with your HVAC air flow means a lapse in comfort in your home. 

There are some common problems associated with AC airflow. With the proper knowledge, you can learn to recognize an issue early that may prevent a bigger problem with your unit later.

Read on to discover three reasons behind and ways to spot if your HVAC system is experiencing an airflow problem.

1. It Could Be Damaged or Dirty Ducts

Your home’s duct system is how air is distributed throughout each room. A problem with a duct could disrupt the airflow to a particular area.

A minor gap, tear, or if the duct is compressed in any way leads to less airflow. HVAC ductwork must be completely sealed, clean, and clear of any obstruction for your system to work properly.

A way to recognize if your air ducts are dirty or damaged is to be on the lookout for pieces of insulation coming through your air vents. Another problem that may point to a duct issue is if the restricted airflow is coming from just one vent that had previously been working and all other vents are still functioning as they should.

2. A Dirty Filter Will Inhibit Air Flow

Air supplied to each room passes through the filters in your system. Airflow becomes restricted when those filters become clogged with dirt, pet hair, or other debris.

Instead of spotting a clogged filter, try listening. If there is an abundance of sound as though the air is struggling to push through, that’s a warning sign.

Your energy bill may be telling too. The most common culprit for increasing costs is a dirty AC filter.

3. Your HVAC Vents May Need Adjusting

You may need to increase airflow by adjusting your supply air vents. Ensure they are all open and angled, so the direction of the air is moving across the room.

Check that there are no obstructions in front of supply air vents or return air vents. Sometimes furniture, especially when supply air vents are on the floor, can block proper airflow.

Make Maintenance a Priority

Regularly changing your AC filter is an excellent way for you as the homeowner to upkeep your unit and help balance airflow. You can extend the life of your unit and avoid more costly repairs by keeping up with regular filter changes.

For comprehensive professional care and maintenance of your HVAC unit, consider a service and maintenance plan. An expert technician will perform a multi-point inspection to ensure that your unit runs at its optimal level and address any potential problems they spot.

Eliminate Issues in HVAC Air Flow

Spot the signs of HVAC air flow issues early by assessing your ducts, filters, and vents. Consider a maintenance plan for continual care of your unit.

If your unit shows signs of improper airflow and you want expert help, contact us today. You can request an appointment and let us know how we can help with all your HVAC service needs.