“Is it hot in here, or … ?”
It’s not just you! Low air flow is a common air conditioning problem that usually means you need repairs. We’ll explain why with a few common reasons for low air flow.
CLOGGED AIR FILTER
Let’s get the easiest thing out of the way. Low air flow can easily be caused by a clogged air filter. If this is your first time checking the air filter, look at your manual or call a professional to find out where it’s located. Often, they’re located near the air handler and are there to filter out dirty air from the return air duct.
Filters should be changed about every six months, even less if you live with pets or people with allergies. If that filter is clogged, it’s going to force your system to work harder to pull in clean air. If it’s unable to do this efficiently, it can be responsible for the low air flow you’re feeling.
REFRIGERANT LEAK
Next up are refrigerant leaks. There can be many causes for a refrigerant leak, but regardless of the cause, it does require that you call immediately for air conditioning repair in Scappoose, OR.
Your air conditioner needs the perfect amount of refrigerant to provide cooling. Any less and your AC will be hurting itself trying to complete the process. Not only does a leak mean that the refrigerant will eventually run out for good, but leaks will gradually become larger over time and accelerate that loss.
If your air flow is weak, a refrigerant leak can definitely be one potential cause of the problem. Keep in mind that leaks aren’t always visible or easy to spot, so we highly recommend calling in a professional to do some tests.
LEAKING OR DISCONNECTED DUCTS
Your AC uses a series of ducts to disperse cool air through your home. If there are any leaks or tears in the ductwork, you can bet that your precious cool air will escape through these holes. Likewise, it’s not impossible for a piece of ductwork to become entirely disconnected, possibly due to pests, low-quality materials, or general wear-and-tear.
If there are significant leaks or disconnects in your ducts, one possible indicator could be that the rooms of the house furthest away from the AC are receiving low air flow. Although you can inspect for yourself to check for leaks, a professional has some tools at their disposal to pinpoint the problem areas and to thoroughly check the air pressure throughout your ductwork.
BROKEN INDOOR FAN
The fan in your AC’s indoor unit is what pushes the cool air through the ducts. If the fan breaks, there are a couple of ways it can mean low air flow.
For one, the air simply won’t have any momentum. It won’t be able to go through the ducts and reach your rooms.
And second, if that air has nowhere to go, it can bring the evaporator coil down to a significantly lower temperature and cause them to freeze. As ice and frost forms on the coil, it will further prevent air from flowing.
No AC? Contact Western Heating & Cooling today. We’ll figure out the problem!