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Air Conditioner Airflow Is Weak: What Should You Do?

Cassie Pound, owner of Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
Published by
Cassie Pound
April 10, 2023
Air Conditioner Airflow Is Weak: What Should You Do?

Are you having problems with your HVAC system’s airflow and cooling efficacy? Get trusted AC repair in Tulsa from Quality Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing to resolve these problems. 

During hot Oklahoma summers, there’s nothing more refreshing than a blast of cool indoor air. However, it’s not uncommon for HVAC issues to lessen this relief.

Have you noticed that your air conditioner airflow is weak? Weak airflow usually comes from underlying problems that reduce HVAC cooling capabilities. As a result, it indicates a symptom of bigger problems that may require expert HVAC technicians to work on your system.

Quality Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing offers high-quality maintenance and repair services for HVAC systems in Tulsa, OK. Call today to resolve weak airflow and other problems reducing temperature control within your home.

Symptoms of Weakened Airflow

While you might think detecting weak airflow in your home is easy, certain symptoms of this problem appear differently than expected. Yes, it’s true that you might detect weak airflow simply by putting your hand up to a vent. However, knowing the other symptoms can help maintenance professionals identify common air conditioner problems.

Air Stops Blowing or Suddenly Weakens

The most obvious sign that your air conditioner airflow is weak is when cool air takes a sudden downtick in efficiency or stops blowing. These signs quickly cause your home to become warm and uncomfortable. Since other acute problems could cause sudden airflow weakening, call professionals if you notice this problem.

Temperature Inconsistencies

Optimally functional HVAC systems distribute temperatures evenly through your property. Weakened airflow can cause inconsistent temperatures in certain rooms, leaving some spaces warmer than others.

While temperature inconsistencies may indicate weakened airflow, other problems could also be to blame. Professionals may need to inspect your system to identify the root cause.

Air Pressure Changes

Obstructions to one or a few sections of your HVAC system could cause noticeable air pressure changes within your home. You’ll notice pressure changes if doors or windows suddenly close. These occurrences mean it’s time to call a professional for HVAC inspections.

Five Causes of Weak Airflow and Their Solutions

When your airflow is weak, the root causes could also degrade your indoor air quality and system health. Thus, it’s essential to know both the common causes and solutions to this problem to protect your system.

From mechanical problems to minor obstructions, the complex mechanisms involved in cooling your home can experience problems that significantly limit efficacy. Many of these issues and their solutions might require professional HVAC technicians to provide service.

Dirty or Clogged Filters

Your air filters maintain indoor air quality within your home. Over time filters accumulate dust and debris, which can cause issues for your system. Not only could a dirty or clogged filter weaken airflow, but it could significantly decrease indoor air quality and aggravate respiratory issues.

Fortunately, clogged air filters are an easier problem to resolve. Routine filter changes can help you avoid problems from perpetually dirty air filters. While some homeowners replace their own filters, HVAC technicians can perform air filter changes during routine maintenance to keep your system optimally functional.

Obstructed Return Vents

Many homeowners don’t realize that HVAC systems cycle air through them rather than creating it from a single source. During these cycles, return air vents bring indoor air into your system, which cools it with refrigerant and other processes to decrease indoor heat and humidity.

Since return air vents play an essential role in AC cycling, obstructing these system components with furniture, household objects, or pet spaces could weaken airflow in your home. Luckily, this issue has a simple solution: remove any possible obstructions from areas near your return vents. Avoid putting pet beds near these vents as dander can clog them.

Blower Motor Issues

The blower motor within an HVAC system propels cooled air through your home. However, these motors can also accumulate dust and debris over time, which can cause issues. If your blower motor starts to lag, you’ll quickly notice your airflow becoming weak within your home.

You can try troubleshooting blower motor issues by resetting your system. If a reboot doesn’t resolve the issue, your motor might be experiencing problems that require expert maintenance or a complete replacement. Quality Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing professionals can inspect and service your system’s blower motor.

Blocked or Leaky Ducts

Your duct system is responsible for distributing cool air throughout your property. Central air conditioning systems would not function properly without healthy ductwork to guide air to different rooms in your home. However, your duct system can also experience problems that limit airflow efficiency.

Small holes and leaks can form in ductwork over time. These leaks misdirect the air flowing through the system, limiting the airflow that actually reaches each room. Since ductwork runs through complex roofing systems, professionals will need to examine ducts and perform necessary repairs to restore airflow.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils emit refrigerant that removes heat and humidity from indoor air. However, small refrigerant leaks can freeze your coils, obstructing airflow and limiting the cooling possibilities for your HVAC system.

If your evaporator coils freeze, you’ll not only notice decreased airflow but also increased heat and humidity throughout your property. Professionals will need to carefully melt the frosts from these coils and repair any refrigerant leaks to prevent the problem from starting again. Call our experts if you notice the signs of frozen evaporator coils.

Resolve Airflow Issues With Expert HVAC Technicians From Quality Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing

Stop searching for the best HVAC company to resolve your cooling system problems in Tulsa, OK, and call experts from Quality Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing. Our professionals maintain strong customer relationships by providing efficient repairs, expert workmanship, and excellent customer service. We’ll have your cooling systems running at optimal efficiency in no time.

For more information on why your air conditioner airflow is weak, call (918) 262-5245 and schedule service from top-rated HVAC professionals with Quality Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing. 

Cassie Pound, owner of Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
Published by
Cassie Pound

Cassie Pound is the Vice President of Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric with locations in Tulsa, Glenpool, and Bartlesville, Oklahoma.