The Usual Culprits Behind Weak HVAC Airflow

Have you been scratching your head over a higher-than-expected electric bill? Or perhaps noticed hot or cold spots in your home? Poor airflow from your HVAC ducts might be to blame for these problems. If warm or cool air can’t be distributed evenly throughout your home, your HVAC system will need to work harder to keep indoor temperatures at a comfortable level. This increases your heating and cooling costs, not to mention the risk of breakdowns caused by wear and tear. 

What are the usual culprits behind poor indoor airflow? A-1 Comfort Care, your trusted residential HVAC services company, lists them below:

Dirty or excessively efficient air filters. Dirty filters are usually the reason why warm or cool air can’t circulate properly inside a house. In general, you should change your HVAC system’s filter at least once every three months. However, if you have pets or family members with allergies, the filter should be changed every six to eight weeks or every four weeks, respectively. 

To prevent allergy flare-ups and improve indoor air quality, some homeowners install filters with a high MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value). A filter’s MERV rating (on a scale of 1 to 16) indicates its ability to remove allergens and other particles from the air. The higher the filter’s MERV rating, the finer it is, and the more particles it can remove. Keep in mind that if the filter is too fine, it may start to obstruct airflow. That’s why, before replacing your HVAC system’s air filter, it’s important to check the recommended MERV rating for your HVAC system. Alternatively, you can consult a local HVAC installation contractor. 

Dirty air ducts. Dust may also have accumulated in the air ducts, preventing warm or cool air from flowing freely inside them. Keep in mind that air duct cleaning is a lot trickier than it seems, which is why it’s best to let experienced contractors handle it. 

A-1 Comfort Care, a company with two decades of experience, offers professional HVAC and air conditioning repair services. To request a free estimate, call us at (732) 578-0379 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Wall and Freehold, New Jersey, as well as surrounding NJ communities.