In the heat of a Phoenix, Arizona, summer, you need your ac unit to perform at its peak to keep you and your family comfortable. When it seems to have lost the power to blow hard at the vents, you want it fixed right away.
- Because your HVAC system has multiple complicated components, a weak stream of air can have many causes.
- Issues may arise with the ductwork, the blower, the air filter, or something else to cause low airflow from your vents.
- A properly trained professional can identify and correct the problem of low airflow quickly and safely.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Weakly through the Vents?
Low airflow from the vents inside your home can indicate a variety of problems. It’s important to know what to look for to develop a plan for repairs. For example, check to see if the airflow is low from all vents or just one or two. If only one vent is underperforming, you may have an issue with a disconnected or leaking duct. If the airflow from all the vents is weak, the problem may be in the blower, air duct, return vents, filters, or coils.
Here are a few of the more common conditions that can cause a weak stream of air to flow from your vents. Some of these conditions may begin as an annoyance, but they can cause severe damage to your system and may even be hazardous to the health of the people living in the home. Contact a professional to address them as soon as you notice the problem.
Air Duct Interference
The air ducts’ main job in your system is to carry air through the home, so if some obstruction interferes with that function, you want to get it cleared right away. Some of the most common problems with air ducts are leaks from the supply side, loose or broken ductwork, and kinks in the flex duct. A blockage in your air ducts is the most likely explanation if the weak airflow problem comes on suddenly right after a new installation or repair. The best way to address these issues is to call in a professional with the proper training and equipment to identify and fix the interference in the air ducts.
Blower Issues
The blower sends the air forcefully into the air ducts to move it throughout the house. Blowers are notorious for developing dirty blower wheels, loose or malfunctioning fan belts, and faulty motors that cause low airflow. Call in a professional right away to diagnose and correct blower issues. A failed repair attempt can damage your equipment and void your warranty if performed by an unqualified or untrained person.
A Clogged or Dirty Air Filter
When the air filter inside your air conditioning system gets clogged with debris, it can’t effectively deliver air throughout your house. Pet hair, dust, and dirt are common culprits that make your unit run less efficiently due to a dirty air filter. In some households, the air filter gets obstructed by furniture, plants, or home decor items sitting in front of the system. Try moving them away from the area to another place in the home to see if the airflow improves.
The easiest way to remedy the problem is to clean or change the dirty air filter. For the best results, you want to practice preventive maintenance by changing the air filter at least once each month and keeping obstructions of all kinds away from the air conditioning units. Look for the dirty air filter in one of two places on the unit. You can usually find it behind the return grates in the ceiling or a slot before the air handler. Then you can clean or replace the dirty air filter to see if airflow to the home improves.
Frozen Coils
Your air conditioner keeps things cool by blowing air across a component called an evaporator coil. Sometimes the temperature of the evaporator coil gets so cold that the condensation on it freezes. The frozen condensation turns the coil into a chunk of ice that acts as a barrier to keep air from flowing efficiently through the house. The easiest way to tell if a frozen evaporator coil is a problem is to look at the refrigerant line outside. If it’s frozen, the evaporator coil certainly is too.
Here are a few causes of a frozen evaporator coil:
- Blocked or dirty components, including the air filter and return vents, restrict the airflow over the coils.
- A blower that isn’t correctly functioning can also limit the flow of air.
- Refrigerant leaks can lead to a refrigerant undercharge.
Try these steps to see if they can correct this problem:
- Turn off the system and allow the ice on the frozen evaporator coil to thaw.
- Change the air filter to open up the airflow.
- Check your vents and grates for any obstructions and make sure they aren’t closed.
- Call in a properly trained professional to check the refrigerant level, the blower, and the evaporator coil in your system.
What Can I Do to Make My Home More Comfortable?
With your air conditioner not blowing hard in the heat of summer, your home can get uncomfortable very quickly. While repairs are in process, here are a few things to try to make your home more comfortable when the air conditioner is not blowing adequately:
- If the weak airflow is limited to one room, check to ensure that the vents in that room are open and uncovered. Sometimes the daily traffic through the rooms can fully or partially close a vent, reducing the amount of air into the living space.
- If the room in question is far from the unit, the AC not blowing very hard problem may be because the unit lacks enough power to get a sufficient amount of air to that room. You can try closing vents in less often used spaces, such as closets, hallways, or bathrooms, to see if that helps.
- Preventive maintenance can help increase the airflow coming from your vents. Cleaning the outdoor condenser unit, vacuuming your indoor vents, and increasing the thermostat temperature can help. In some houses, keeping blinds and curtains close can keep the rooms cooler.
Where Can I Get Help?
For your safety and the health of your HVAC system equipment, you should never try to repair a malfunctioning air conditioner yourself. Trust the professional at Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals is equipped with the latest training and the most advanced tools to find and fix your air conditioner troubles. Over our many years of taking care of families in the Phoenix area, we’ve earned a reputation for quality work and unsurpassed customer service.
The professionals at Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing can handle much more than an air conditioner not blowing with enough power. Whether you need help fast with an emergency breakdown, routine maintenance, or a new unit installation, call us anytime. You’ll see why the difference is Day & Night.
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