Dealing with an HVAC issue during the brutal Texas summers can quickly escalate from a minor annoyance to a full-blown HVAC emergency. With an overwhelming number of residential HVAC service calls, homeowners should keep in mind some of the most common root causes to help with troubleshooting.
Poor airflow can result from a variety of reasons, some of which are easily correctable. More complex issues may require professional services including residential HVAC repair. Working with a licensed team will ensure your family stays comfortable and safe when the north Texas weather becomes extreme.
When in doubt, turn to the Dial One Johnson plumbing team. Our team of professional plumbers will be able to quickly diagnose and remedy even the largest HVAC issues.
Common Causes of Airflow Problems
Airflow issues can cause some major HVAC problems. Understanding what the cause may be can help. Take a look at these ten common causes of airflow issues:
1. Obstructed Condenser Unit
Your outdoor condenser unit can become obstructed for a variety of reasons over time. Debris such as leaves and grass clippings can easily clog the interior of the condenser unit. Additionally, items such as shrubs or tools placed near the condenser can prevent adequate airflow.
A condenser unit that struggles to pull in enough air, will inevitably lead to poor airflow inside the home. Keep the area clear of all debris and regularly clean out old leaves that might get trapped in the system.
2. Blocked Vents
Hot or cold spots can occur in rooms that are not receiving enough airflow. Frequently, this is a direct result of a blocked vent. For homes that have vents located on the floor, make sure that furniture is not accidentally blocking the vent.
Make vacuuming your vent faces part of your regular cleaning schedule. Dust and pet dander can easily clog the vent, amplifying the problem.
3. Clogged Filters
When was the last time that you changed your HVAC’s air filter? Maintaining a clean air filter is one of the best ways that homeowners can help maximize the efficiency of their home unit. Clogged filters restrict airflow, creating a host of problems for your HVAC.
If you notice that your system is working overtime or cycling more frequently, chances are your filter needs to be replaced. Take climate, pet fur and moisture into consideration when selecting air filters. Purchasing a quality air filter will do wonders for the health of your system.
4. Blocked Ducts
As your system’s filter becomes clogged, all of the dust that is normally captured has to go somewhere. You can bet that anything your filter is unable to collect is going to start building up in your ducts. Ducts are fairly narrow, especially in older homes or buildings, making them prone to clogging if regular cleaning is not conducted.
Although several DIY options exist, none are effective. Household vacuums lack the power necessary to properly clear stubborn debris. Schedule a professional cleaning every 2-3 years to improve indoor air quality and prevent obstructed ductwork.
5. Faulty Thermostat
Believe it or not, your thermostat could be the culprit to your airflow problems. Something as simple as a low battery can have far-reaching effects on your system. Refreshing the batteries in your system regularly will prevent any unwarranted issues.
It is also important to note that when upgrading your thermostat, double-check that it is compatible with your system. Homeowners that self-install new equipment might quickly find out that their new smart device will not work with their older HVAC. Work with a professional to make sure that everything will properly sync up and you are not left sweating the details.
6. Lethargic Fan
The fan in your system helps to distribute heat and cool air through your home. Over time, dirt and grime can start to clog the fan. This can seize bearings and eventually lead to failure of the part.
It should not be surprising that wear and tear will occur to your HVAC over time. Scheduling annual residential HVAC service will help catch potential problems and prevent emergencies.
7. Dirty Condenser Coils
Condenser coils located in the outside unit are essential for your air conditioner to work properly, as they help to expel the heat from your home. Because of their location, these parts can easily become clogged with dirt and debris. This has a two-fold effect on your system.
First, your airflow will diminish. As this happens the coils will not have enough warm air circulating to prevent them from freezing. When this occurs, your next call should be to a professional plumber.
8. Low Refrigerant
Refrigerants are a critical component of your HVAC. Should your system develop a leak or fail to be refilled over time, its ability to adequately cool your home will begin to decline. The simplest way for homeowners to prevent this from happening is through regular maintenance.
A trained professional will top off refrigerant levels, if they are low, and uncover any potential leaks before they become worse.
9. Oversized Air Conditioner
Bigger is not always better. Where larger AC units fall short is in their frequent cycling on and off. As this occurs, airflow will diminish and moisture will not be pulled out of the air, leaving your home feeling humid and stagnant.
Work with your HVAC specialist to determine the proper size of your unit during an AC replacement.
10. Design Flaws
Changing the structure of your home can inadvertently impact your airflow quality. If rooms are renovated without also properly moving ductwork, you may find yourself in a costly and time-consuming situation.
For homeowners planning major renovations, consult with an expert team to ensure that ductwork is properly rerouted to avoid future issues in your home.
Finding Residential HVAC Service in Red Oak, TX
Realizing that your home’s HVAC system is not producing enough airflow is nothing to panic over, but it does require some diligence to prevent. If you can’t fix the issue yourself, then it is time to call the team that Ellis County trusts for all things HVAC.
Dial One Johnson Plumbing has been serving the residents of the Dallas area for over 50 years. Whether your system is in need of regular maintenance or you require an HVAC replacement, our team is prepared to get your system running smoothly. With offices in Cedar Hill and Midlothian, our team is only a short drive away from helping resolve your HVAC issues.
Give us a call at 469-557-2703 or contact us online to learn more.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.