Does it feel like your HVAC unit is taking a vacation? Air conditioners don’t get to take a break in the summer!
If your unit isn’t blowing cool air like it used to, it’s possible you have an airflow issue. There are many causes for low airflow, but you don’t want to waste any time making assumptions. If you’re running into airflow issues in the middle of the year, don’t hesitate to call an Albuquerque, NM, HVAC contractor.
Low airflow issues can be red flags for a bigger breakdown, and that’s the last thing you need at the start of summer. Below are four causes of low airflow that should be taken care of immediately.
1. Dirty Air Filter
Have you checked your air filter? Before making any calls, this is the first place you’ll want to look. Replacing a dirty air filter can quickly fix several HVAC issues.
Without a clean air filter, your unit’s airflow will be blocked. On top of that, this will cause your unit to work harder than necessary. Low airflow due to a dirty air filter will only cause problems later on.
2. Frozen Evaporator Coil
Does your HVAC unit look like the inside of a freezer? When the evaporator coil gets too cold, the condensation will start to freeze. While this may appear to be a good sign (colder is better, right?), a frozen coil isn’t something you want to see. All that ice stuck to the coil will only restrict the airflow, causing more problems to arise the longer it goes unchecked.
Sometimes, frozen evaporator coils are due to a dirty air filter. If the dirty air filter is restricting airflow to the coil, the cold air will continue to drop in temperature until it freezes. At other times, the issue could be due to leaking refrigerant. You’ll want to get a professional to inspect the entire system if freezing is an issue.
3. Air Duct Issues
The air ducts are directly responsible for transferring hot and cold air through the house. If your ducts aren’t in top shape, you might feel hotspots or a weak airflow.
Common air duct problems are caused by leaks. The problem may be as obvious as a disconnect, which will become apparent after a thorough inspection. In other cases, tears or holes in the ductwork might be the cause, and they won’t be so easy to spot without the help of an expert.
It’s also possible that the ductwork will show no signs of damage or disconnects. In that case, ductwork that runs too long or has several bends and turns won’t efficiently transfer air. An HVAC contractor will be able to reconfigure your ductwork to transfer air more efficiently.
4. Short Cycling
Short cycling is a common HVAC issue that could be mistaken for low airflow. It causes the unit to turn on and off without ever properly removing the heat and humidity from the home. Although your HVAC system will sound like it’s working, short cycling will make it feel like the unit has an airflow problem.
Some causes of short cycling include low refrigerant levels, an oversized air conditioner, dirty air filters, or frozen evaporator coils. Pinpointing the issue won’t be easy, so you’ll need to call a professional.
Is your HVAC unit slacking off? Don’t let low airflow ruin your summer. Contact Roadrunner Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration today!
