Reduced airflow means reduced comfort and stale air quality inside your home. The volume of air (measured in cubic feet per minute) circulating through HVAC ductwork is not a random figure. It’s actually a carefully calculated amount adjusted to support balanced supply and return airflow in every room throughout the house. Airflow that meets specs maintains consistent temperature control, supports effective air filtration, and ensures your HVAC system runs at optimum efficiency.
If reduced airflow is suspected, here are two things to check yourself:
- A clogged system air filter. If the air filter hasn’t been changed monthly during the summer cooling season (every other month during the winter), it might be dirty and obstructing the flow of air into ductwork.
- Closed or obstructed vents. If the adjustable vanes of supply air vents in one or more rooms have been closed, or the return vents (or single central return) are blocked by furniture, drapes, or other obstructions, balanced system airflow will be impaired.
If you don’t see any problems with these basic issues, it’s time to call in professional service. A qualified HVAC service technician can measure airflow at vents throughout the house and identify other suspects, such as:
- Leaky ducts. Once a house is at least 10 years old, ductwork leakage can be a common problem. In many homes, as much as 25% or more of cooled or heated air never gets to the living spaces it’s supposed to cool or heat. Instead, conditioned air leaks into unconditioned zones like the attic or crawl space. Ducts can be tested by your HVAC contractor to determine the amount of leakage. Effective duct-sealing options are available to restore proper airflow.
- Blower issues. The HVAC system blower in the indoor air handler generates airflow for both the air conditioner and the furnace. Problems affecting blower output such as a loose drive belt, worn bearings, or a defective motor can be the cause of reduced airflow in the house.
For a professional diagnosis to correct reduced airflow in your home, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area