A homeowner will spend around $1,200 annually on energy bills, and a great deal of that can be attributed to running the AC system during the summer. As you might expect, it’s normal to see a spike in your energy bills at that time, but if the airflow is compromised, the bills could be higher than anticipated. Poor airflow issues can lead to a loss of performance, and because the AC system needs to run for longer periods, it can really drive up your energy bills. But If you know what to look for, it’s easy to identify and fix the airflow problems to get your bills under control quickly. Let’s take a closer look at five common causes of impeded airflow in your AC system.
1. Blocked Air Vents
The HVAC system is designed to push the cooler or warmer air through the ductwork system to every room in your home. The treated air is delivered at the vents, and if they are blocked or clogged the airflow is impeded. This means that those rooms will not be at the same temperature as the rest of your home and the thermostat setting will make no difference.
This is bad for a couple of reasons, first you may need to run the system for longer, which leads to higher energy bills. Second, when you run the system for longer, it can overwork the equipment leading to unexpected failures, and even an earlier than expected replacement.
When you’re troubleshooting your HVAC system for airflow problems, start with the air vents. If they are closed, make sure they are opened, if they are covered with drapes and furniture uncover them. In fact, it’s a great idea to have a clear space of at least a few feet around each vent. If the vent is damaged, and can’t be opened, it must be replaced with a new cover. Simply measure the opening, order a new cover and install it yourself. If you’re not confident, contact your local HVAC specialist and they can help.
2. Clogger Air Filters
The AC system is designed to drain fresh air into your home, bring it to temperature and then distribute it to different rooms. This is an effective system and the air is prevented from becoming stale. But, there is a downside, the fresh air can contain airborne contaminants, such as pollen, allergens, mold spores, dirt, dust and more. These contaminants can lower the indoor air quality (IAQ) and clog the air filter. The air filter is designed to prevent large particles from entering the AC system where they can cause damage to key components. The improvements in IAQ are an added bonus, but the air filter can become clogged quickly and a drop in airflow is bad for the AC system.
A good air filter can be effective for a while, but they need to be replaced and/or cleaned regularly to keep the system working well. As the surface of the air filter becomes clogged, it will become less effective and the airflow is diminished. If the air filter is fully clogged, you may notice that the air supply from your vents is virtually non-existent. Check the filters every month, replace them if they are dirty; they typically need replacing once every three months to maintain efficiency. But, if you use the AC system more or you have pets in the home, it will be necessary to change the filters more often.
3. Ductwork Damage
If you’re using a ductless AC system, or you have window installed units, you don’t need to worry about ductwork at all. For the rest of us, the ductwork is essential because it delivers the treated air to the various rooms in your home. When the ductwork is in good shape, the air flows smoothly and no air is lost during the movement. But, if the ductwork is cracked, punctured, or dented, it can lead to air leaks.
Ductwork leaks will lower the available airflow to the vents, and you will notice a drop in performance. To make things worse, your energy bills will rise and you’re paying to treat the air that you’re not receiving. You can search for signs of ductwork damage in areas such as the attic or basement where the ductwork may be exposed. Look for any signs of dents, cracks, holes, or rust along the surface of the pipes.
Any damage should be repaired as soon as possible to restore performance and improve the energy efficiency. Simply wrapping the area in duct tape may seem sufficient, but this is a temporary fix at best. Contact your local heating and cooling specialist, and they can repair the ductwork for you. In many cases it’s less expensive to replace the damaged ductwork with a fresh new set of ducts.
4. Bent Condenser Fins On the Exterior Unit
Most standard AC systems have an outdoor condenser unit that is designed to operate when exposed to the elements and bad weather. But, there are times when damage can occur and one of the most vulnerable components is the condenser fins. When you look at the outdoor unit, there are wires and tubes on the external surface. This is where the air passes through to be cooled and distributed, and if the fins are damaged, the airflow is decreased. This can be a simple repair; if you can gently pry the fins back into position with a dull butter knife or other flat object. Please be careful, it’s easy to cause more damage if you make a mistake or if you’re uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to call your local HVAC specialist instead.
5. A Worn Out Blower Fan
The blower fan works hard. This component pushes all the treated air through the ductwork system. When the fan is working well, the airflow rate is high and it’s easy to get the cool air that you need. But, an older fan can reduce the airflow and it may be a noisy part as it starts to fail and shake loose. In some cases, the fan motor can get covered with dust and dirt and a simple clean can fix the problem.
If you’re concerned about the lack of airflow from your AC system, contact your local heating and cooling specialist today.