Is your air conditioner barely blowing air and leaving you sweaty? This can be frustrating, especially when it is quite hot outside. But weak airflow from AC doesn’t mean your system needs to be replaced. Start by changing the air filters every three months, cleaning any debris accumulation around vents or in ducts, or sealing leaky holes in your ductwork. But if these simple solutions don’t work? Call a professional HVAC technician for air conditioner repairs.
Practical Solutions to Get Your AC Running Efficiently Again!
Weak airflow not only makes your home uncomfortable but can also indicate underlying issues with your system. Whenever you notice a musty smell, uneven temperature distribution in the house, or a clammy living area, it means your AC isn’t working properly and needs attention. Here’s how you can fix that.
Replace Your Air Filters Promptly
The first thing to do is remove the old filters and replace them with specific MERV rating ones. This will instantly improve the airflow because dust and debris accumulate on the filters over time and restrict the air passing through them. Monthly evaluation and changing the filter every three months ensure better indoor air quality. It seems simple but can significantly enhance your AC’s performance.
Open All Air Vents and Registers
A clear path for air to circulate will help your cooling unit perform better. Therefore, you must ensure all vents and registers are open and clear of any obstruction. There must be no furniture, rugs, or other objects around them blocking the airflow. Closed vents create pressure imbalances, making some rooms too hot or too cold. Your AC has to work hard to provide you with a cool living area. Open vents effectively allow air to move freely and maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home.
Check for Leaks in the Ductwork
If having an old conditioning system with an ordinary flexible duct system, there might be a chance it is now compromised. Take professional advice on replacing it with sheet metal ducts or adding an insulation layer to reduce air loss. Leaks or cracks mostly develop at the joints if not properly sealed or fastened. They allow inside air to escape and outside warm air to pull in, affecting the indoor temperature. Evaluate if holes in ductwork are the reason for weak airflow and seal them with mastic or foil tape. Also, your duct should be of appropriate size to match the system requirements.
Did You Know? Sealing leaky ducts can also save you up to 30% on heating and cooling bills.
Clean the Air Vents and Evaporator Coil
With time, debris or dirt accumulates over the HVAC components and reduces airflow. Check all the supply and return vents in your home, evaporator coil, and outdoor condenser for any type of buildup that does not allow the heat to be released. Take a brush or vacuum cleaner for vents and remove all the dust and debris. However, avoid harsh cleaning that can damage the sensitive fins of the coil.
Call a Professional to Evaluate the Blower Motor Issue
Sometimes, the whole problem is the malfunctioning of HVAC components. It can be unfortunate if you face this issue, but it can be effectively managed by seeking professional help. An expert will determine if the motor is failing or if there is buildup to be removed on the fan blades. Once they diagnose the problem, perform the appropriate repairs and replacement to improve the overall efficiency of your conditioning unit.
Conclusion
Weak airflow from your AC doesn’t mean you have to suffer in the heat. Be active and evaluate whether filters, vents, fans, and other components are working properly. You can often fix the issue by yourself by simply cleaning the dirt and improving the ventilation of your home. By any chance, compromised airflow is due to ductwork or mechanical issues, reach out to experienced HVAC workers to perform essential air conditioner repairs.
