Are you experiencing some type of HVAC air flow problem? Is there too little air blowing from your AC unit or is your heating system simply not working properly? If this is the case, you might have some type of air flow problem. There are many different potential causes for HVAC air flow problems. If you’re not a professional, it can be really hard to diagnose the problem, especially if you don’t know where to look. In general, you’ll usually want to call a professional for heating and air conditioning repair services, as a professional will be able to get the job done quickly and with ease.
With that said, this article will look at 7 of the most common causes for HVAC air flow problems. Some of these causes are easy to identify and may not necessarily require professional repair. Others are quite tricky and difficult to diagnose. You’ll need to call a professional in these situations, as they’ll be able to assemble and disassemble the unit to take a look at some of the inner parts and mechanisms. They’ll also be able to guarantee their work.
#1. Blocked Vents and Register
Have you noticed that the temperature of your home doesn’t seem to change even when the HVAC system is on? Or, have you noticed that your home is simply not as cool or as hot even with the HVAC system on?
One of the simplest causes of poor airflow is a blocked vent register. Many homeowners will jump the gun and call a professional for heating and air conditioning repair before they even take a look at their HVAC. Make sure that the registers and vents are free of any obstructions. For example, make sure that there are no furniture or household items that are blocking them. Even if your HVAC system is functioning properly, it may not feel like it is if the air doesn’t circulate within the home.
Another thing that you should check is whether the vents are closed. Sometimes, some people accidentally closed the vents without realizing it. This is definitely a problem that you can solve on your own without having to call a professional in Minneapolis, MN for heating and air conditioning repair services.
#2. Clogged and Dirty Filters
This is another fairly obvious reason for poor air flow within the home. If your filters are clogged and dirty, air cannot easily flow through the HVAC system. This is why it is so important for homeowners to keep up the maintenance of their HVAC system. Our preventative maintenance service will include cleaning the filters and changing them. In general, you should clean the filters every year or two. If you happen to use your HVAC system more regularly, you want to clean your filters even more frequently. If you don’t, problems could arise and you may need more extensive heating and air conditioning repair services in the future.
Your Filters Could Also Be TOO EFFICIENT
Not many people realize this, but the poor airflow could also be because your filters are too efficient. Now, isn’t that a surprise?!
If you have a filter with a high minimum efficiency report value (MERV) rating, and they block the overall air flow of your unit. This is because the filter may be designed for keeping out particles that are so small that it’s preventing air flow throughout the entire system. This is why it’s extremely important for you to make sure that the filter you’re using is the right one for your HVAC system. If you do prefer a filter with a higher rating, you’ll need to replace your filters more frequently.
#3. Blocked Condenser Unit
This is another common cause for air flow problems. If the condenser unit is blocked, air will not be able to flow freely throughout the entire HVAC system. This may make you feel that you need heating and air conditioning repair services. With that said, this problem is fairly easy to fix on your own. You definitely want to make sure that this is not a problem before you call us for heating and air conditioning repair services.
Check your outside condenser to see whether there is anything. If the condenser is not protected by some type of cover, it’s easy for leaves and other debris to accumulate there. we are all of the debris away and the air flow of your unit should improve significantly. Our regular preventative services will also clear up any dirt, debris or particles in this area because your system can easily overheat if the condenser unit is blocked.
#4. Leaky and Blocked Ducts
If the ducts are in poor shape, it can also cause poor air flow. Anything that involves the ducts should be left to a professional. This type of heating and air conditioning repair is not easy to do, and if you make a mistake, you could end up damaging your HVAC system.
So, what could be wrong with your ducts? The possibilities are limitless.
The ducts can get blocked by dirt and dust over time. This is why it’s important for you to get them cleaned every once in a while. If there is too much condensation and moisture within the unit, mold and mildew can even grow within the ducts. This can substantially decrease the quality of air within your home. The mold and mildew can also cause respiratory problems for those living within the home. Thankfully, it’s fairly easy to tell if there is mold and mildew growing within the ducts because you’ll likely smell it almost immediately. If you smell anything musty, you’ll definitely need some type of heating and air conditioning repair service immediately. Other things that can cause blockages include birds, insects or even rodents that may have made a home within the ductwork.
Other than a blocked duct, you also need to worry about cracks or holes. This can cause air to leak out. It can also lead to leaks, which can cause water damage to the inside of your home. If you suspect that there’s a problem with the ducts, call our professionals for heating and air conditioning repair immediately.
#5. Low Refrigerant Levels
Another common problem that is associated with poor overall air flow, especially in older units, is low refrigerant levels. This usually happens when there is a leak in the system. Depending on the size of the leak, many people may not notice the refrigerant levels dropping or their system performing poorly until the cooling is reduced by a significant level. This is because the decline in performance is simply too little.
With that said, this is another one of those problems that you’ll want to call a professional for. You won’t be able to check for leaks by yourself and perform the necessary heating and air conditioning repair services that are needed. This is one of the more tricky repair jobs out there.
#6. Improperly Sized Unit
Many homeowners don’t realize that improper air flow may be due to an improperly sized unit. If your HVAC unit is too large for your home or even too small, it can cause some type of air flow problems. There are several solutions for this issue, but most HVAC experts will recommend that you install a new unit. If you’re not sure what to look for, our experts will lead the way. We will show you the different HVAC systems that are available on the market right now and walk you through the pros and cons of each one.
Finding the right unit can be a headache, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Our professionals can help you figure out what’s important to you and what features you’re looking for. Best of all, we’re able to get some really great brands for you. We can get the unit delivered to your home and install it for you, so you won’t have to worry about a thing. The good thing about this is that you’ll have a quality product, and you’ll also know who to call if you ever need any heating and air conditioning repair services.
#7. Outdated HVAC Design
If you recently purchased a new home or if you have recently done Renovations, you may notice that there is an issue with the airflow. If this is the case, there’s a really good chance that the problem is related to an outdated HVAC design. Like all other technologies, HVAC systems continue to improve year after year. A system that was considered advanced decades ago may not necessarily be the best system on the market right now.
Our licensed technicians will look at the type of HVAC system that you’re using to see if it is compatible with the overall design of your home. If your HVAC system is indeed outdated, we will provide you with some options to choose from. We will help you find an HVAC unit that is compatible with both your home and your budget.
Depending on what needs to be replaced, this type of heating and air conditioning repair can be quite expensive and extensive. Our technicians will break down what the repair looks like, so there are no surprises. This way, you can make the most informed decision possible.
Why You Should Fix Air Flow Problems as Soon as Possible
Many homeowners tend to neglect their HVAC system, especially if they aren’t using it regularly. They may think that the poor air flow isn’t too much of a problem at the moment, and may decide that they’ll call an expert in at a later time. This isn’t a good mindset to have because you might end up damaging your HVAC system if you wait. The longer that you wait, the longer that the problem will have to fester. By the time that you get a professional out to your home, your HVAC system may have deteriorated to the point where it needs to be replaced.
Fixing air flow problems as soon as possible will also improve the overall air quality within your home. Heating and air conditioning repair services in these areas can clean out any debris or dirt that has accumulated within the HVAC systems to ensure that you are breathing cleaner air. This is especially important for those who may struggle with allergies and other respiratory conditions.
You’ll also notice that your energy bills will go down if you fix the air flow problems that are present by calling for heating and ac repair in Minneapolis, MN. Air flow problems mean that your HVAC units are working overtime to cool or heat up your entire home. The units will consume a lot more energy than necessary to work. By fixing the air flow problems, you could save quite a lot of money in the long run, so the heating and air conditioning repair basically pays for itself!
Call Us for Heating and Air Conditioning Repair in Minneapolis, MN
When dealing with HVAC issues, it’s always a good idea to bring in the professionals. Completing HVAC repair by yourself can be dangerous. It’s also rather difficult if you don’t have any of the technical know-how or the experience. By trying to do the heating and air conditioning repair by yourself, you also open up yourself to the possibility of damaging your HVAC system. In short, you may do more harm than good.
If your HVAC system is acting up, Blue Ox Heating & Air in Minneapolis, MN a call at 952-213-3955 or schedule a service online. We offer a wide range of services and can even offer a regular preventative maintenance, which includes measuring and testing the airflow, cleaning or replacing the air filters, fan blades and coils and inspecting and adjusting the motors, ductwork and overall system. Give us a call and you’ll learn more about your HVAC system and how to keep it running at maximum efficiency.
