Poor airflow, either leading into or out of your HVAC system, may not seem like that big of a deal. However, a lack of steady airflow in one direction or the other can easily leave you with a variety of problems inside the system.
You can keep reading to learn about the ways that poor airflow can impact your HVAC system’s operation. Then give us a call to schedule your appointment for HVAC repair in Lake Butler, FL. We can address problems associated with poor airflow and then offer tips for how to prevent these issues from happening again in the future.
Clogged Air Filter
One of the most common causes of poor airflow in any HVAC system is an air filter that is clogged with dust and dirt. Air filters are designed to protect the system by trapping dust, dirt, and miscellaneous debris. This ensures that particles don’t interfere with operation and also helps to clean the air that circulates through your home.
However, as these filters are saturated with particles, the fibers have less and less space for air to pass through and into the system. When your HVAC system has limited airflow coming in, it must work harder to pull air through the clogged filter, adding significant strain to components throughout the system.
As your HVAC system works harder to bring air in for heating and cooling, the extra effort can lead to problems like:
- Overheating
- Consuming more energy
- Strain that leads to system breakdowns
Changing the air filter on time is crucial for reducing strain on your unit. Each air filter is rated to last for a certain period of time – usually one to three months. It is important to keep in mind that this is only an estimate. Factors like having a large family or several pets can mean that the filter needs to be changed out even sooner.
Dirty Outdoor Unit
The condenser unit located on the outside of your home plays a critical role in transferring heat away from your home as part of the cooling process for an AC. In the winter season, it can also help to filter stale airflow and carbon dioxide away from your home.
Being exposed to the elements and weather all year long can mean that the unit gets dirty. This leaves airflow obstructed by leaves, grass clippings, dirt, and or other debris. Heat and stale air can get trapped inside your home, increasing the temperature in the system to a dangerous level.
Plus, this can leave the system working harder and consuming more energy as it works against poor airflow. Take time each month to clean the outdoor unit and double-check that it has at least two feet of space on all sides can help prevent additional airflow issues in the future. We can provide a more detailed cleaning once each year when we visit your home for professional maintenance.
Impacts of Stress and Strain
Poor airflow easily impacts the entire HVAC system. The strain that your system takes on as it works harder can leave lasting damage that cannot be reversed during maintenance service. When airflow is restricted, the system’s blower motor must work harder to push air through.
Working harder can mean a shorter lifespan – meaning you’ll have to replace the individual component or the entire HVAC system sooner rather than later. Reduced airflow can also cause ice to develop on indoor or outdoor coils, further reducing the overall system efficiency and potentially causing permanent damage that remains even when the ice melts.
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