It's important that your HVAC system maintain good airflow. Too little air from your A/C, and you risk freezing the condenser coil. Too much can lead to high humidity levels. And both problems waste lots of energy. So how can you tell if you have poor HVAC airflow? What can you do about it?
Spotting Poor Airflow
The simplest way to spot airflow problems is to put your hand up to the vents while the HVAC system is on. If there's no air coming out, or very little, then there's an issue.
You may also notice certain areas of your house that are hotter or colder than the rest. This indicates that air isn't being distributed evenly. Or if the house starts to feel drafty, or doors slam on their own, that's also a sign of airflow problems, causing a pressure imbalance.
You can calculate your airflow using a thermometer, to compare the air temperature in different places near your system. Or you can hire an HVAC technician to perform an energy evaluation and uncover any airflow problems.
Causes of Poor Airflow
There are several possible reasons for poor HVAC airflow. To start, move furniture or other obstructions away from vents and registers. Other issues we recommend leaving it to the professionals during regular maintenace, like:
- Replacing a clogged air filter.
- Clearing away any tall grass, leaves, or other debris from around the outdoor unit, and making sure there's at least a square foot of clearance in every direction.
- Sealing any air leaks in your ducts.
- Checking if your refrigerant is low, and refilling it if so.
- Clearing your condenser coil and/or fan.
During your technician's annual maintenance visit, these issues and others will be addressed to ensure your system runs smoothly and air flows freely.
To improve your HVAC airflow, contact us at Hartman Brothers. We serve New Haven's heating and cooling needs.