We all like to come home to a warm haven in the winter or to a refreshingly cool home on a hot summer day. Adequate airflow is critical to home comfort and is vital to staying healthy. Read on to learn about why your Fayetteville, North Carolina, home may be experiencing poor airflow.
A Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter restricts airflow, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and less efficiently. The filter removes dust and debris from the air, keeping the ducts and equipment clean. An overloaded or clogged filter impedes your HVAC airflow, which makes your home feel stuffy or even causes hot and cold spots in your house.
A dirty air filter can also damage your HVAC parts. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how often your air filter needs changing.
An Overly Efficient Air Filter
An air filter that is too efficient can also cause poor airflow. Check your air filter’s Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. The higher the MERV rating, the fewer contaminants and dust particles can pass through.
You may think that a high rating is more desirable. However, if an air filter works too well, it can actually block airflow, making it less efficient. In turn, your energy bill may go up, and your furnace can overheat. The best air filter for your home is one that allows your HVAC system to do its job while removing most airborne pollutants.
Blocked or Closed Air Vents
You may think that by closing air vents you don’t use often, you can lower your energy bill. But doing this can cause low airflow, and it forces your HVAC system to work harder to circulate the air throughout your home. Therefore, by closing air vents, your energy bill will go up. Take a walk around your home, and make sure your furniture isn’t blocking any air vents.
A Wrong-Sized HVAC System
If your unit is too big, it will cool your home down too quickly and then switch off. This results in your house feeling stuffy because the air conditioner hasn’t had the time to fully dehumidify the area. Alternatively, if the unit is too small, it will run constantly, working too hard to keep the space cool. Because it works so hard, it uses more energy.
Thermostat Problems
Sometimes the reason for poor airflow is simply a faulty thermostat or a low battery. The latter is something you can easily check and fix. Otherwise, it is important to contact a technician to find the issue with your thermostat.
Low Refrigerant Level
A gradual decline in airflow may be because your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant. Call a service technician today to test for a leak, repair the leak, and get your home’s airflow back on track.
Dirty Coils
The condenser coil releases air from the heat that it has removed. Because it forms part of the outdoor unit, it is exposed to the elements. When it gets dirty, it battles to release heat, and this forces it to work harder to keep your home cool, resulting in poor airflow.
To solve this problem, contact a technician to clean and inspect the coils regularly, at least once or twice a year.
Obstructed Air Conditioner Condenser Unit
The condensing unit is normally placed in a mechanical room or outdoors. Leaves and debris that accumulate around the unit can obstruct the unit, causing it to overheat when it doesn’t have enough access to air. Be sure to check regularly for obstructions and to keep the area around the unit clear.
You can fix some airflow problems. However, some issues will call for a professional’s help. Cape Fear Air Conditioning, Heating, & Electrical Company, Inc. specializes in HVAC services. Call us today at 910-216-9394, and we will help restore good airflow to your home.
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