Why Your Air Conditioner Airflow is Weak: Common Causes and Solutions

Are you puzzled by your air conditioner’s weak airflow? 

Have you noticed your AC is barely blowing air, and the once cool and comfortable space is now increasingly heating up? 

If so, you’re not alone. 

Many homeowners experience these problems with their air conditioning units. In this blog post, we’ll get a better understanding of the common causes–and solutions to these problems.

Remember, whether your AC is barely blowing air or dealing with a serious issue, it’s always recommended to contact a professional HVAC technician, like one of our team members at Hurliman Heating & Air Conditioning, rather than attempting to fix them yourself.

Continue reading to get started.

6 reasons your AC unit’s airflow is weak

Do you keep asking yourself, “Why is my AC not blowing hard?” You’re far from alone.

There are several reasons why your air conditioner’s airflow is too weak. 

Here are six of the most common reasons why your AC is running but barely blowing air:

1. Clogged air filter 

The most common reason for an AC barely blowing air is a clogged air filter. The following particles can significantly reduce your air conditioner’s airflow:

• Dust 
• Pet dander
• Mold 

This can make your AC system work harder, leading to wear and tear.

Solution: The solution to a clogged air filter is quite straightforward – replace or clean it. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your filters:

• Step 1: Turn off your AC unit to ensure safety.
• Step 2: Locate the air filter. You can usually find it in the return air duct or the entrance of the air handler.
• Step 3: Remove the air filter. Be careful not to let the dirt and dust fall into the duct.
• Step 4: Check the condition of the filter. Hold it up to a light source. If you can’t see light coming through, it’s time to clean or replace it.
• Step 5: If your filter is reusable, clean it thoroughly using mild detergent and warm water before rinsing thoroughly and allowing it to dry thoroughly before reinserting it.
• Step 6: If your filter is disposable, replace it with a new one of the same size. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s advice regarding type and size.

Take note to check your air filter each month during peak usage times, mainly if it appears dirty. A clean filter increases the efficiency of your AC, reduces wear-and-tear costs on its unit, and enhances indoor air quality.

2. Leaky ductwork 

Your air conditioner’s ductwork is an essential component that carries cooled air from the unit to the various rooms in your home. Over time, these ducts can develop leaks, reducing the amount of air that reaches your rooms. 

Solution: You can solve this problem by having a professional HVAC technician inspect your ductwork for any possible leaks. They have specialized equipment that can detect and locate leaks with accuracy. 

Once the leaks are found, they can seal them using a mastic sealant or metal tape, ensuring a tight seal and restoring your air conditioner’s optimal airflow. Remember, ductwork is complex and can be challenging to work on, so it’s always best to leave this task to the professionals.

3. Blocked or closed air vents

A common reason why your air conditioner airflow is weak could be because of blocked or closed air vents. 

Household items like furniture or curtains, or even the vents being accidentally shut, can obstruct the path of the air.

Solution: If your AC is not blowing as much air as it should, make sure all vents are open and free from obstructions, allowing cooled air to move seamlessly throughout your home cooling system and increasing efficiency and comfort.

4. Faulty fan motor 

The fan motor is crucial in blowing cooled air into your home. If the motor is faulty or weak, the airflow will be insufficient. 

Solution: In this case, contact an HVAC professional who can replace or repair the fan motor.

5. Low refrigerant levels

The refrigerant in your AC unit plays a vital role in cooling and dehumidifying indoor air. If levels are low, it can result in weak airflow and less cool air. 

Solution: Regular maintenance checks from an HVAC professional can ensure your unit is properly charged with refrigerant.

6. Frozen evaporator coils

Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil draws heat away from indoor air. However, when temperatures get too cold for its coil to absorb heat effectively, frost or ice may form on its exterior, leading to decreased effectiveness and reduced airflow from your AC unit.

Solution: In order to fix a frozen evaporator coil, it’s best to switch off your AC unit and allow enough time for all of the ice to melt before turning it back on and testing airflow. Once everything has cleared up, turn your unit back on again and verify proper airflow.

If the problem continues, it could indicate a larger issue, such as a refrigerant leak or air handler issue.

If your evaporator coil keeps freezing over, a technician should first check to see if its refrigerant levels are sufficient and add any additional refrigerant. They might also inspect your air handler for any malfunctions that need attention.

Remember that routine maintenance can prevent such issues from ever emerging in the first place.

Dealing with a frozen evaporator coil quickly improves airflow and can prevent further damage to your AC unit – increasing its lifespan and providing more effective cooling.

For example: If the evaporator coil keeps freezing, the technician might need to check if the refrigerant levels are adequate. If not, they will add more refrigerant to your system. They might also check the air handler for any malfunctions. 

Why your air conditioner airflow is weak: common causes and solutions — Conclusion

In conclusion, weak airflow from your air conditioner can be a result of various factors including:

• Clogged filters
• Leaky ductwork
• Blocked or closed air vents
• Faulty fan motor
• Low refrigerant levels 
• Frozen evaporator coils

Regular maintenance and professional inspections can help identify these problems early, ensuring your AC unit operates at its optimal efficiency.

For inspections, maintenance, or any AC-related concerns, visit us at Hurliman, your one-stop solution for all your air conditioning needs. Remember, being proactive can save you from sweaty summer days. Contact us now!