Most of the time we pay little to no attention to our heating and air conditioning. We turn it up or down to stay comfortable and pay the utility bill when the time comes. This is the best-case scenario because it means everything is working right. It is when something goes wrong that our HVAC system gets our attention, like when the air flowing out of the vents seems less than usual.
The amount of air that you feel coming from your vents can tell you a bit about what’s going on with your system. Today we’re going to talk about some of the main issues that cause HVAC systems to have low, or reduced air flow.
- Dirty filters: We know you’re probably tired of being reminded to change your HVAC’s air filter, but it is a critical part of your system. The filter may seem insignificant, but it plays a big role in keeping debris from getting inside your system. This improves your indoor air quality and keeps the system running smoother. If it gets too dirty, it can restrict the air flowing into your ducts, reducing the overall air flow. This also makes your system work far harder than it should to pull in air. If you notice reduced air coming out of the vents, check the filter first.
- Duct issues: Your ducts create a network that ushers air throughout your home. This network is made of many parts connected, and each connection can provide a path for air to escape. In this situation the air escapes into your walls and attic instead of making it to your vents. This can happen because of faulty ductwork, but it can also happen naturally over time. You may notice that you must turn the air or heat up higher than you should to reach the expected temperature due to reduced air flow. This problem usually requires a professional to find and resolve.
- Insufficient return air vents: Forced air HVAC systems distribute air throughout the home with vents in each room. When it does this, it changes the air pressure in the room. The return air vents in each room solve this by allowing air to escape, creating a sort of airflow loop. When it works correctly, warm or cold air flows out into the room, and a roughly equal amount of air leaves through the return air vents. Having insufficient air return vents can reduce the air available to your system and reduce the amount of air coming out of your vents. This situation also requires a professional to solve.
We depend on our HVAC systems year-round to keep our home and loved ones comfortable. Most of the time they just need a little upkeep, like regularly changing filters or a bit of yearly maintenance. Like all equipment, however, over time those small issues can lead to larger problems that diminish the effectiveness of how your system works.
Many times, there are signs that warn us that something is wrong, which is exactly what happens when you notice reduced air flow. So, pay attention and call in a pro to diagnose and solve the problem as soon as you notice it. Not only can this improve your comfort and help with utility bills, but it can also help your expensive equipment last longer!
If you are looking for an experienced pro to find out why your HVAC system isn’t working right, we’re here 24/7. Just call (800) 662-4318 or head over and fill out our contact form.
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