Air Conditioner with Low Air Flow: What Every Paramus, NJ, Resident Must Know

Do you need fast and efficient repairs for your air conditioner problems? Call the expert team at Gladiator Services today.

Living with an air conditioner delivering low airflow in Paramus, NJ, is a major inconvenience. In July, outside temperatures will approach 90 degrees. Your indoor space will feel hot and humid in the areas your air conditioner’s airflow can’t reach.

This problem is not one of those you can fix by lowering the thermostat. It can also lead to complete system failure if you don’t address the cause of the airflow issues.

As the top choice for expert HVAC repair in Paramus, NJ, we’ve seen all the possible causes of low airflow in air conditioning. We’ll review all the details you need to know to help you avoid more costly repairs.

Signs Your Air Conditioner Has Low Air Flow

Some of the top signs your air conditioner is delivering low airflow include the following:

• Little to no air coming from the vents. Does it feel like there’s no air coming out of your vents even while your air conditioner works? That’s a clear sign of airflow problems.
• Fluctuations in air pressure. Do your doors slam by themselves? Can you notice drafts? Air pressure fluctuations often signify air flow issues.
• Hot pockets around your home. An air conditioner with airflow problems will struggle to cool your home evenly. So, you’ll find yourself staying in just one part of your home just to feel comfortable.

If you notice any of these signs, you have to investigate the cause of the low airflow.

Common Causes of Low Air Flow in Air Conditioning Systems

Some of the top causes of low airflow in air conditioning systems include the following:

Clogged Air Filters

When was the last time you replaced your air filters? If you can’t remember, you’ve probably found the cause of your airflow problems. The air filter traps pollen, mold, pet dander, dust, and other airborne contaminants.

Over time, it will become filled with debris, reducing the air your air conditioner can process. The longer the debris accumulates, the lower the volume of air you’ll get from your air conditioner.

Thankfully, it’s an easy fix. Replacing the filter (or cleaning the washable ones) will get your air conditioner working optimally again.

Clogs in or Around the Outdoor Unit

Your air conditioner’s outdoor unit is integral to its overall function. If it accumulates too much debris, the key components inside it will struggle to disperse the heat from your indoor space. When these components are out of sync, the air conditioner will deliver low airflow.

Too much clutter around the outdoor unit can also have the same effect.

Cleaning the outdoor unit regularly and removing any clutter around it can help you avoid airflow issues in the future.

Refrigerant Leaks

The refrigerant in your air conditioner is responsible for absorbing the heat inside your indoor space, venting it outside, and returning cool air. Your air conditioner will have very little cool air (if any) to return if your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

Leaks happen when corrosion or mechanical damage causes cracks or holes in your AC coils. A frozen evaporator coil is one of the top signs of a refrigerant leak.

There’s no DIY fix for refrigerant issues. You must contact an HVAC expert to solve the leaks and add more refrigerant to reach the manufacturer’s recommended levels.

Ductwork Problems

The conditioned air from your AC must pass through the duct system to the vents around your home. Over time, dust and debris can clog the ductwork, reducing the volume of air it can handle. Your indoor air quality will significantly worsen in this scenario.

The ductwork may also develop holes and cracks, causing the loss of a significant chunk of the conditioned air before it can reach you.

An experienced HVAC technician will advise you on the best way to fix leaky ducts, depending on the size of the leaks. If they offer a ductwork cleaning service, they can also help you clear out all dirt and debris up there.

Blocked Vents

Did you recently move a piece of furniture around? Maybe you just bought some new electronics. You may be blocking your vents unknowingly. Some people block off vents on chilly days (instead of turning up the thermostat) and forget to unblock them.

Whatever the reason you have blocked vents, the air conditioner will deliver low airflow until you unblock the vents again and improve air circulation in your home.

Thermostat Troubles

Modern thermostats are a lot easier to use, but some have complex controls. Thus, the low airflow from your air conditioner may be due to an incorrect thermostat setting.

Look over the thermostat to ensure you haven’t changed the calibration mistakenly. If you see any new information on the screen you can’t understand, pull up the manual and attempt returning the thermostat to its standard function. Where that doesn’t work, call in an HVAC expert to help.

AC Blower Problems

The blower pushes the conditioned air into your ducts and through the vents. The blower blades may not work at optimum capacity if they are caked with dirt and debris.

Similarly, if the blower motor has broken down, the blades won’t run, leading to little or no air flow. Dirty blower fan blades is an easy DIY fix, but for a broken motor, you’ll need to call a professional to repair or replace it.

Old Age

Sometimes, the only explanation for why your air conditioner has low airflow is that it’s now too old. Most air conditioning systems are only supposed to last 10-15 years. If yours is already within this age range, you may need to replace it.

Contact Gladiator Services for Comprehensive Air Conditioning Solutions in Paramus, New Jersey

You don’t have to endure an air conditioner with low airflow. The team at Gladiator Services can get to the root of the problem and fix it permanently. We are experts at improving air conditioner efficiency.

Call Gladiator Services in Paramus, NJ, at 201-419-6090 to book an appointment.