Troubleshooting Air Flow Problems With Your Central AC Unit
Posted on: 17 May 2015
Are you experiencing issues with the amount of cool air your central AC unit is producing? If so, you should know that the cause behind these problems may be much easier to fix than you think. In fact, air flow problems can often be resolved in just a few minutes using the troubleshooting steps below.
Step 1: Determine If The Problem Is System Wide
The first thing you will need to do is to determine whether or not the problem exists in all your air vents or if it is contained to just a few vents. This is incredibly important since the steps you take next will depend greatly upon whether you are dealing with a system-wide problem or an isolated one.
If after checking the air pressure from each vent in your house you have determined that the problem is system-wide, you will want to proceed to Step 2. However, if the problem only affects a few vents, you will be able to skip directly to Step 3.
Step 2: Check Your Air Filter
If the air intake filter on your unit is dirty, it may be preventing your unit from taking in enough air. Since the amount of output you receive is directly affected by the amount air your unit is able to pull in, it is extremely important to ensure that your AC unit is not being starved for air due to a dirty filter.
If you are unfamiliar with the location of your air filter, begin by checking behind the main intake vent. You may also find the filter located in a special drawer that sits beneath your indoor AC unit.
Once you have located the filter, remove the old filter and either clean it or replace it. After the new filter is in place, turn on your AC unit and let it run for a few minutes. If the air pressure doesn't improve, the dirty filter may have caused your cooling coils to freeze. This is an issue that must be addressed by an HVAC contractor.
Step 3: Check Your Duct Connections
Your air ducts are connected to the ventilation system using rather small metal connectors. Over time, these connections can become loose and cause air to pour out of the duct rather than being delivered to your air vents.
In order to determine if a bad duct connection is to blame for your low air pressure, you should begin by checking the connections that are closest to your AC unit. Gently move each vent to make sure the connection is still tight. Next, move your hand over the duct while the AC unit is on in order to determine whether or not you can feel any air leaks.
If you fail to find the source of your air pressure problems, continue your search for a loose or disconnected duct in your attic or crawl space. If this step also fails to deliver results, you will need to contact a reputable HVAC contractor to determine if the air leak is contained within your walls. One company that provides this service is Kassel Appliance & Ac Repair.
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