Common Airflow Obstructions AC Pros See Every Day

Updated August 3, 2020

Since your home’s ductwork is largely out of sight, it’s usually out of mind. So when a room isn’t cooling down or heating up as it should, it’s easy to jump to the conclusion that your air conditioner or furnace is to blame. Often times, however, the culprit is ductwork obstructions.

How Does Airflow Affect Home Comfort?

Even on a hot day, quality airflow can be enough to keep your home cool without needing to reduce your desired AC temperature.  Go back to your high school science classes. Your home is a container and your AC system tries to fill that container with cool air.

The more airflow obstructions, the longer it will take to reach your desired temperature. Also, those obstructions could lead to hot spots or drafts throughout the house. These obstructions cost you money and make it difficult to reach your desired home comfort settings.

Important Note: Your air conditioner also helps remove contaminants from the air through its air filter. Obstructed airflow makes it more difficult to keep your home air clean.

Common Obstructions

Homeowners can underestimate how some common airflow obstructions can have a profound effect on their system’s efficiency. Here are some of the more common obstructions we see:

• Dirty air filters: Air filters are an important aspect of your ac system. If you don’t clean it regularly, it can lead to a build-up that blocks airflow.
• Inefficient or ineffective HVAC system: Your AC system could be too large for your space or the ductwork could be installed improperly. You may need to replace your current system with one that fits the dimensions of your home.
• Stuck or partially closed fire and/or zone
• Dirt on the blades of the blower fan. It’s easy to dismiss how the buildup of dirt, dust and grime can pose such a risk to the smooth operation of an HVAC system. This is one reason spring and fall tune-ups are so important, so you can identify if this is an issue. In addition to maintenance, cleaning the components will alleviate this worry.
• Collapsed, crushed or otherwise damaged sections of ductwork: Sometimes this damage is visible from the exterior of the duct, and other times it can require an internal investigation.
• Loose or collapsed insulation: Not only obstructs the airflow, but also leads to greater energy loss.
• Leaks in the ductwork or at the connections: Leads to energy loss.
• Condenser unit obstruction: It’s very easy for debris to block your outside condenser unit. Make sure to keep it clear of debris after cutting the grass or especially after a windy storm.
• Furniture that’s improperly placed: Directly on top or next to return air intakes. This is the easiest to fix and can be done by the homeowner.

 When in Doubt, Call Scott!

At Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re accustomed to putting on our detective cap and getting to the root of the problem. If you suspect problems, ductwork obstructions or have other home comfort concerns, contact our team today. We’re happy to serve the HVAC needs of homeowners throughout Central Florida.

Schedule an Appointment Now

Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service heating and air conditioning company in Central Florida.  Whether you need repair, maintenance or installation of a new heating or cooling system, we provide efficient, cost-effective and professional service. When it’s hot, call Scott!

Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service heating and air conditioning company and a Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer in Central Florida. Whether you need repair, maintenance, or installation of a new heating or cooling system, we provide efficient, cost-effective, and professional service. When it’s hot, call Scott!

Categorised in: Air Filters, Ductwork, Energy Savings, Indoor Air Quality, Thing You Should Know