After putting up with the hot outdoor summer conditions, wouldn’t you want to come back to a perfectly cooled house? Unfortunately, that won’t happen if there’s reduced airflow in your ducts and vents. Instead, you’ll come home to a house that has some rooms that are cool, while others are hot. Let’s break down the common causes of poor summer airflow, along with what you can do to remedy them.
A Vent Is Closed or Blocked
Blocked vents are the most common reason behind rooms not responding to the air conditioner. A vent that’s obstructed by any item — such as furniture or bedding — or has its damper closed hinders the free flow of cool air into the room.
The first step to take is to check your vents for obstructions. Remove any obstruction from a closed or blocked vent to allow for airflow.
Clogged Filters
The indoor air that the AC system pulls through your return vent passes through an air filter before it’s cooled. As dust and dirt in the air accumulate on the filter, it can result in a clogged filter that doesn’t let an ample amount of air pass through it. Your AC system will have a hard time pumping out sufficient cold air. To fix this, check your air filter monthly and replace or clean it as needed.
Duct Leakage
When your ductwork is damaged by holes, poor connections, gaps, and other types of leaks, it leaks air and loses air pressure. That can cause air pressure problems in your vents. You may have no cold air coming from the vents in one or more rooms.
Fixing the leaky duct system will solve the problem. You can try taping small openings on your own, but you’ll need to have larger trouble spots fixed by a professional.
Clogged Outdoor Air Conditioner
Your outdoor AC unit needs adequate airflow to function correctly. Leaves, grass, dirt, and branches will restrict the airflow and reduce the system’s efficiency at cooling your home.
Trim the landscaping around the unit regularly. To maximize airflow, maintain a space of 2 to 4 feet between the unit and the trees and bushes in your yard.
By rectifying your reduced-airflow problem, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable and energy-efficient home. If you live in the Dayton area and need help with any air conditioning or energy-efficiency issue, Ace Hardware Home Services can help. Contact us today.
