An important HVAC service is to keep the air flowing through the air handler and ducts at the proper rate. If the airflow is restricted or blocked, your HVAC won't work properly. If your home is at an uncomfortable temperature, feel the air coming out of the ducts. If you can barely feel air flowing, call an HVAC service to send a technician to check out the problem. Here are four reasons you are experiencing reduced airflow.
1. There's A Problem With The Filter
A clogged filter could be the reason the airflow is restricted through your system. The air handler sucks air in through the filter, so the filter needs to be clear. When the filter is matted with dust, air can't get through very easily. It's also possible you have the wrong type of filter. If you switched to a filter that's supposed to remove allergens, it may not be working well with your system. The filter is probably one of the first things the HVAC service technician will check, and if it's clean, they'll start troubleshooting the air handler.
2. A Duct Is Leaking
When the HVAC service first arrives, they may check the flow coming from several register vents so they can tell if all of them have low flow or just one area. This lets them know if the problem is in the ducts. Ducts can be damaged, especially if you use your attic for storage or if pests get in and bother the ducts. If a duct is split open, air leaks out instead of flowing into your living space. Ducts can sometimes be repaired, but if necessary, the HVAC technician can replace a bad duct.
3. The Control Board Is Bad
The control board in the air handler triggers the blower system to start up. If the board is bad, the blower motor may not start up or it could be erratic until the board fails completely. The board controls a lot of parts in the air handler and furnace, including the blower system. If the board is to blame for the blower not working, the board must be replaced. The HVAC service technician may also want to check the wiring from the board to make sure it's not the wire that's bad.
4. The Blower Motor Has Burned Out
A blower motor that's faulty or burned out won't be able to turn on the part that sends the air through the ducts. A burned-out motor has to be replaced with a new one. The technician can tell if the motor is bad by testing it with a multimeter. They may also want to check the capacitor to make sure it's still good. A bad capacitor can cause the blower motor to burn out, so if the capacitor is bad, it needs to be replaced too.
Reach out to a local HVAC service to learn more.
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