The Top HVAC Air Flow Problems

HVAC air flow problems can increase your energy bill and make controlling the heating and cooling of your office difficult. 

While we always advise having your HVAC looked at by a trained technician, there are some things you can do to prevent and fix problems.

In this post, we’re going to be troubleshooting HVAC problems that commonly affect HVAC units and give you solutions on how to solve common HVAC issues.

1. Blocked Vents

One of the most common HVAC airflow problems - fortunately one that has a simple solution - is blocked air vents. An AC with low air flow is a common problem, so it’s usually best to start with the easiest solutions first.

If you feel that you have low airflow from AC vents, the first thing to check is if anything is blocking the airflow. 

Moving furniture, such as cabinets in an office space, from over the top of underfloor vents in a UFAD system can restore the normal flow of hot and cold air in a matter of minutes. Even ceiling vents can be blocked by tall shelves and cabinets.

2. Clogged Filters

Take a moment and ask yourself this - when was the last time you changed your HVAC’s filter?

Clogged filters are amongst the most common HVAC issues, as they filter the air to keep the system free from dust and debris. Once the filter gets clogged, that means reduced airflow throughout the HVAC. 

Given long enough, an HVAC system can even suffer a complete breakdown because of this, in which case you’ll have to call HVAC technicians and may face an expensive repair bill.

So make sure to change your filters regularly. This little bit of preventive maintenance goes a long way in helping your HVAC work harder.

 
Importance of adequate HVAC airflow:

• Common Commercial And Residential HVAC Issues
• How to Properly Size a Commercial HVAC System
• The Truth About Air Quality in Office Buildings

3. Duct Problems

Ductwork is another critical component in the function of an HVAC system. It channels conditioned air around the building and extracts spent air out of it. However, if it gets clogged or develops a leak the HVAC’s efficiency takes a hit.

If the ductwork has developed leaks or become clogged it can lead to an air conditioner’s low air flow. 

If you can visibly see the blockage in the air duct, it may be worth trying to take it out on your own. But make sure not to hit the side of the duct or endanger anyone’s safety while doing so. Another option is replacing your air distribution system with an underfloor system, which can not only slash energy bills by 30%, it requires less maintenance too.

4. Furnace Blower Running But No Airflow

If your furnace isn’t supplying heat, you’re going to need to do some HVAC problem-solving.

First, turn off your furnace. Then, switch your thermostat to the fan-only setting. If you can hear the fan blowing, then you’ll know this isn’t the issue.

However, if the fan doesn’t turn on, check your circuit breaker to see if your furnace switch is activated. This indicates that there’s an issue with your fan’s wiring, in which case you’ll need to call a technician. 

If the circuit breaker switch isn’t activated, then either the fan or thermostat needs replacing.

5. Dirty Condenser Coil and Evaporator Coil

The condenser and evaporator coils play an important part in your HVAC system, carrying heat from inside your building and expelling it outdoors.

Dirty coils force your system to work harder to cool the same space compared to when it was clean. This can result in a low air flow HVAC and greater electricity consumption. 

And while it may seem like a good idea to try and clean them yourself, coils are sensitive pieces of equipment. The best thing to do is to call a professional in this case.

6. Too Little Refrigerant

One of the most common HVAC issues for older HVAC units that have received little maintenance is low refrigerant levels. 

Leaking refrigerant can be hard to spot, as its symptoms, including low air flow HVAC and temperature control problems, can be confused for several other problems. 

But once spotted, its solution is simple: call an HVAC technician to repair the leak and recharge the system with refrigerant.

The Bottom-Line: Regular Maintenance Prevents Common HVAC Air Flow Problems  

There are many causes behind HVAC issues. While troubleshooting is easy, the easiest way to prevent issues from arising in the first place is maintenance. 

Make sure that you get preventive maintenance regularly for your HVAC. Frequent inspections and servicing can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on costly HVAC problem-solving methods.

If you keep experiencing problems with your HVAC system, consider installing an underfloor air distribution system (UFAD).

Contact the experts at AirFixture today to learn how a UFAD system can reduce your operating costs by 30% and prevent expensive HVAC issues from arising.