Summer is here, and plenty of businesses in the Fort Worth area will soon discover their HVAC airflow is either too cold or too hot. Continue reading to learn what causes these issues and what you can do to troubleshoot them.
Common HVAC Airflow Problems
Hot and cold spots in your commercial building can usually be traced back to airflow problems. A room is either getting too much airflow or not enough—sometimes both. This inconsistency results in noticeably different temperatures between rooms, creating discomfort for your building occupants.
Airflow problems have a variety of causes, with the most common being:
Clogged Air Filters
When’s the last time you scheduled HVAC maintenance? If you can’t remember or you’ve been ignoring preventative maintenance, clogged air filters are most likely the culprit of your inconsistent airflow.
HVAC air filters keep the air clean in your building by filtering out:
- Mold
- Pollen
- Dust
- Dander
- Pollutants
- Pathogens
To function properly, they need to be regularly cleaned. If they aren’t, your air filters can become saturated with debris, blocking airflow and creating hot and cold spots in your office.
Low Refrigerant Levels
The refrigerant in your HVAC is what cools air down for your building. When its fluid levels are low, it won’t do its job well. If you notice little to no air blowing out of your vents, that’s a solid indicator you may need to refill your refrigerant.
Leaks are the most common cause of low refrigerant levels in your air conditioner. They typically come from cracks and holes in your AC coils or corrosion buildup due to poor HVAC maintenance.
Blocked or Leaking Ducts
Your HVAC’s ductwork is responsible for delivering cold air to your building. Over time, dust and debris can clog your ductwork if maintenance is neglected, developing holes and cracks that reduce HVAC airflow.
Not only does a leaking duct ruin your HVAC airflow, but it also impacts your office’s indoor air quality by sucking up dirt and other pollutants and distributing them throughout your facility.
How To Troubleshoot HVAC Airflow Issues
If you’re experiencing problems with your HVAC’s airflow, the solutions vary depending on the source of the issue:
Air Filters
If your inconsistent airflow is caused by dirty air filters, it’s time to change them immediately. Ideally, you should clean your filters after 250 hours of use and replace them at least once every three to four months.
A dirty air filter affects your office’s air quality poorly and makes your HVAC system work harder and use more energy to cool your building, raising your utility bills. Start searching for a trusted HVAC company in Fort Worth and schedule preventative maintenance. During this service, professionals will inspect your system and make adjustments to improve your operational efficiency—which includes replacing your air filters.
Refrigerant
If you suspect your HVAC airflow issues stem from a lack of refrigerant, reach out to local HVAC companies in Fort Worth. They have the expertise to refill your refrigerant. This isn’t a task you should attempt yourself, because the levels should exactly match the levels specified by your AC’s manufacturer.
Ductwork
If your airflow issues lie within your ductwork, contact a professional HVAC contractor in Fort Worth to inspect your duct systems. Solutions to duct issues differ depending on whether you have a leak or blockage.
If you have a leak, your HVAC provider will use duct sealant, which is a sticky substance that’s applied to the holes and gaps on your system. It hardens as it dries, patching gaps in your ductwork.
For blockage, your contractors will check the vents in each room for airflow and note the amount of air production. From there, they’ll be able to identify problem areas and safely remove blockage from your duct systems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heating and Cooling Systems
Still unsure about how to navigate HVAC airflow issues? See if these FAQs can bring some clarity:
How Do I Get More Airflow Out of My Air Conditioner?
Here are some simple ways to improve weak airflow:
- Check your HVAC vents and make sure there are no obstructions. If applicable, remove any furniture or drapes blocking the air vents.
- Regularly clean your HVAC’s fan blades with a soft cloth, as this helps remove dust.
- Schedule regular tuneups to help your unit run smoothly. Weak airflow can be a sign of your AC system developing problems, and preventative maintenance addresses issues before they get worse.
How Do I Know When It’s Time To Replace Filters?
For your HVAC system to operate at its best, your filters should be clean. As a general rule of thumb, it’s time for new air filters once they start to look discolored. Remember that the winter and summer months take a higher toll on your filters, so you may need to replace them more frequently in those months.
Does Adjusting the Thermostat Really Save Money?
Yes. Resetting the thermostat when you’re out of office can save you money on utility bills. Adjusting the thermostat reduces the total run time of your HVAC, lowering your energy usage.
How Can I Increase the Efficiency of My HVAC System?
One of the best ways to improve your system’s performance is preventative maintenance. Being proactive with your HVAC allows you to stay ahead of potential troubles before they can snowball into a serious issue. Depending on the size of your commercial building, you should schedule preventative maintenance anywhere from one to three times a year.
Does Your HVAC System Need Some Attention? A&G Piping Can Help
Summer is wrapping up, and now’s the perfect time to prepare your HVAC system for the colder months. Investing in preventative maintenance now helps you stay ahead of major issues down the road.
Curious to learn the status of your HVAC system? Reach out to the experts at A&G Services. We’ve delivered high-quality HVAC repair to Fort Worth for over three decades. Our skilled technicians have years of experience and are ready to help you.
