Common Reasons for Airflow Reduction

For proper air conditioning in a home, it’s important not only that an AC has effective cooling ability, but also that it creates proper airflow through its ventilation system. If an air conditioner starts to struggle with airflow issues, it will not only mean reduced comfort and uneven levels of cooling for your house, it will cause the AC to work harder and can lead to serious damage to the system.

When you notice that air coming out of the vents in your house seems sluggish, then you should call for professionals to look into the trouble. There’s no single cause for airflow reduction; a number of repair needs can lie behind it. It takes the work of skilled HVAC technicians to deduce the problem and find a solution.

Call Mediterranean Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. for air conditioning repair service in Northridge, CA to deal with low airflow. We have more than four decades of experience with air conditioners and ventilation systems.

3 common reasons for airflow reduction

1. Leaks along the ductwork – The ventilation shafts that run from your cooling system’s air handler to the vents must keep a complete seal in order to maintain air pressure. If a breach occurs in this airtightness, it will cause air to escape and lower the pressure, resulting in reduced airflow. Along with the trouble of lower airflow, duct breaks will lead to dust infiltration into the ventilation shafts, dropping indoor air quality and possibly damaging the interior of the AC. Sealing these leaks requires the work of duct repair specialists.

2. Clogged air filter –An air conditioner draws air from a home through a return air vent to condition it and then circulate it back through the house. Because the indoor air can contain contaminants like dust, dirt, hair, and carpet fibers, a filter blocks out these particles to protect the AC. This filter needs to be replaced once a month during any period when the air conditioner runs regularly. If the filter becomes clogged, it will choke off air circulation and reduce airflow. This will also force the system to work harder and could cause the coils to develop ice along them—a serious problem that will drop cooling power.

3. Air handler malfunctions – The air handler contains the blower fan that draws air through the return vent and then across the AC’s evaporator coil and into the ventilation system. If the fan breaks because of a faulty motor, broken fan belt, or interference with its electrical system, it will lower the airflow. Mechanical repairs of this kind need the work of trained experts.

Although you may still experience cool temperatures from vents even with lowered airflow, you cannot ignore the issue: until the problem is repaired, the AC will work inefficiently and run the risk of a breakdown. You can call Mediterranean Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. for air conditioning repair in Northridge, CA any time of the day or night to help with airflow problems or any other issues with your home’s HVAC system.