If you turn on your air conditioner to escape our hot summers here in Havertown and Springfield, PA, you expect the air to come out cool and comfortable. But you should also expect it to be delivered with a certain amount of speed, the better to get your home comfortable as effectively as possible. When the air flow drops, the system has to run for longer periods of time and expend unnecessary energy to do the same job, energy you’ll end up paying for in higher monthly bills. Furthermore, the extra effort will increase stress on the system, and raise the chances of a significant breakdown happening in the future. So what causes low air flow in your air conditioner? What should you look out for? In general terms, it breaks down into one of two possibilities.
Trouble with the Fan
Trouble with the fan can come because the fan itself is bent, broken or misaligned, because the fan belt is loose, or because it’s having trouble getting power. The latter is the most common, though fan blades can become damaged by detritus or tampering. If the fan motor overheats or runs into mechanical difficulties, it will slow the fan itself down considerably. Electrical flow, too, can cause the motor to malfunction, especially if there is frayed wiring or the fittings are loose.
Clogs or Dents
If your filter hasn’t been changed in a while, all the dust and dirt build-up will slow the passage of air. The same is true for build-up anywhere in the system. Similarly, if the duct work suffers a dent or a breach, it could slow the air flow down. This is most likely the case if air flor is restricted in only one section of the house.
Low air flow should not be treated lightly when you detect it. Turn off your air conditioner and call the pros at WM Henderson Inc. today!