Ducted Air Conditioning: What to Check When Your AC Air Flow Is Too Weak

Posted on: 28 November 2017

Is your ducted AC system's airflow too weak so that not enough cool air is coming out of your air conditioning unit? If yes, you're probably annoyed and sweaty. But worry not, as you're not alone. Weak AC air flow is an issue that many other homeowners face, but you can steer clear of this problem by taking proper care of your ducted AC unit.

Knowing where to look when your AC's air flow suddenly becomes weak is vital if you plan to handle the problem yourself. Here's a look at some components you should check when your ducted AC system's airflow is weak:

  1. Check your air supply registers: The air supply registers in your home are what allow streams of cool air from your AC system to be supplied to your home interiors. These registers should be kept open to allow for maximum supply of conditioned air. If they are partially closed, they will restrict the supply of cool air to your living space. Therefore, you should first check if your air supply registers are fully open.
  2. Check your air filters for clogging: It is perfectly normal for your AC system's air filters to become clogged with dirt over time. Clogged air filters can inhibit the flow of air into your AC system via the air-return registers. This can, in turn, undermine the performance of your AC unit and lead to a weak flow of air coming out of your air supply registers. This explains why AC manufacturers and HVAC technicians recommend that homeowners should replace their AC air filters regularly. 
  3. Check your blower: Your fan in your AC's blower unit is what provides the force required to move conditioned air from your AC system to your living space. If it is dirty or damaged, it might not move conditioned air as effectively as it should, leading to weak air flow. If your blower fan is dirty, you will need to clean it up. If it is damaged, you will need to have it repaired.
  4. Check your ductwork: Inadequate airflow to your room space may be as a result of issues with the supply-side ducts. Leak spots, blockages resulting from bending, or disconnects are some of the reasons why your air handler may begin to blow insufficient amounts of air. If you detect any of these issues with your ductwork, it is best to call in a professional HVAC technician.

With this troubleshooting guide, you should be able to tell what the problem could be when you are faced with weak AC air flow. Be sure to seek help from an HVAC specialist if you encounter any problem while trying to figure out what could be causing your ducted AC system's air flow to be weak.

Contact a ducted air conditioning service for more information and assistance. 

Share