When your HVAC system isn't working correctly, it's often difficult to pinpoint the exact issue. Does your home have hot and cold spots? Do doors randomly close on their own? Is your A/C blowing warm air on a hot summer day?
If so, your HVAC might have an uneven airflow. There are many symptoms of uneven airflow and many solutions. Amid the increasing demand for HVAC repair, homeowners need to learn how to keep their home system operating at its best. Understanding the potential causes of uneven airflow can help you troubleshoot the problem and get your HVAC system back up and running efficiently.
Evenly distributing air
How to Know If Your HVAC Has Uneven Airflow:
The desperate temperatures naturally separate, creating deposits throughout your home
There Are Hot & Cold Spots in Your House - One of the most common signs of uneven airflow is hot and cold spots in your home. If you notice that certain rooms are always warmer or cooler than others, there's a good chance that your HVAC system isn't evenly distributing air. When air can't flow evenly through the HVAC, the desperate temperatures naturally separate, creating deposits throughout your home.
You Don't Feel Much (If Any) Air From the Vent - Another way to tell if your home has uneven airflow is by feeling the air coming out of the vents. If you don't feel much air coming from a particular vent, that's an indication that not enough air is flowing through that area. Alternatively, if you feel a strong blast of air from one vent and barely any from another, that's another telltale sign of airflow errors.
Creating pressure imbalances
Doors Are Shaking or Closing on Their Own - Have you ever jumped when a door seems to slam on its own? Don't worry, it's not a ghost. Uneven airflow creates pressure imbalances that can cause your doors to swing open/shut or rattle.
Vents Blowing Warm Air When A/C Is Turned On - If your air conditioning is cranked down, but the vents are still blowing warm air, that's a problem. Don't turn the temperature lower when this happens. Call your local HVAC technician to diagnose the cause of your inconsistent airflow.
Ensuring optimal airflow
Causes & Solutions For Uneven HVAC Airflow:
Clean or Replace Your Filters - A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of uneven airflow. When your filter gets clogged with dust and dirt, it restricts the amount of air that can flow through your HVAC system.
Some research suggests that using an air purifier can extend the life of your filters
You should change or clean your air filters three or four times per year. Pets, smoking, and improperly sealed doors and windows can create extra debris that soils filters sooner. Some research suggests that using an air purifier can extend the life of your filters, but it's still a good idea to change them regularly to ensure optimal airflow.
Lower-Rated MERV filters
Find the Right MERV Rating For Your HVAC System - When you're looking for a new air filter, it's important to find one with the right MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. The MERV scale rates how well an air filter can remove particles from the air; the higher the MERV rating, the more particles the filter will capture. Some homeowners assume that the highest MERV rating is best, but this isn't necessarily true. You need to choose a MERV rating that's compatible with your system's motor.
If the filter is too dense, it will reduce airflow throughout the home. Additionally, it could overwork your motor and lead to a premature replacement of your HVAC system. If you choose to use air filters with a higher rating than your system's capabilities, you'll need to change them more frequently than you would with lower-rated MERV filters.
Preventing proper airflow
It's best to build a fence or shed that leaves plenty of ‘breathing room'
Clutter Around The Outdoor Unit - If you have an outdoor air conditioner unit, it's important to keep the area around it clear of debris. Grass, leaves, and twigs can prevent proper airflow and cause your system to overheat.
It's a good idea to check the area around your outdoor unit every few weeks and remove any debris that has accumulated. Some people choose to cover up their HVAC to increase curb appeal. It's best to build a fence or shed that leaves plenty of ‘breathing room.’ Any greenery around an HVAC unit can quickly overtake your system's airflow without constant maintenance.
Maintaining comfortable temperatures
Improperly Fitted HVAC Unit - Bigger isn't always better, especially when it comes to your HVAC unit. A unit that's too large for your home will turn on and off frequently, which can lead to uneven airflow.
HVAC units that are too small have to work overtime to maintain comfortable temperatures
HVAC units that are too small have to work overtime to maintain comfortable temperatures in the home. This also causes the system to turn on and off frequently and can cause uneven airflow. The right size HVAC unit will depend on the size of your home. If you have an especially large home or if you've converted your single-family into a duplex, you might consider installing two HVAC systems.
Specific refrigerant levels
The Refrigerant Needs to Be Refilled - Low refrigerant levels is another reason you might feel warm air when the AC is turned on. Refrigerant is responsible for balancing the flow of cool air into the home and pushing warm air out of the home. When refrigerant is low, the air delivered to your home will feel warmer. Replacing refrigerant isn't as easy as adding coolant to your car. HVAC manufacturers dictate specific refrigerant levels. Imbalanced levels can lead to expensive repairs, so it's best to leave this job for the professionals.
Save Money & Increase Comfort By Balancing Your HVAC Airflow - If your HVAC has uneven airflow, there are many possible causes. The good news is that most of these causes have relatively simple solutions. If you can't seem to get your airflow under control, be sure to consult a professional. With just a little bit of troubleshooting, you should be able to keep your home comfortable all year round.