What Causes Poor Airflow Across a Condensing Unit? - A Comprehensive Guide

The HVAC filter is responsible for removing particles such as dust and other allergens from the air, but over time it can become clogged. A clogged filter can reduce indoor air flow if it isn't changed regularly. If the air filter is relatively new and still clean, make sure that you are using an air filter that has the correct minimum efficiency rating (MERV) for your unit. The dust that passes through the obstructed air flow accumulates in the ducts. Dust buildup can increase in ducts that are too small for air conditioning capacity.

Over time, normal wear and tear on the air conditioner unit can lead to poor airflow problems. A professional can perform an airflow measurement test to determine the seriousness of the problem and advise you if basic repair or replacement might be the best option to fix it. There are several common causes of airflow problems in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Top 10 Causes of Airflow Problems

  • Narrow ducts or ducts that haven't been cleaned for a long time
  • Clogged air filters
  • Incorrectly sized air filters
  • Dirty fan blades
  • Dirty fan coils
  • Malfunctioning motors
  • Leaky ducts
  • Incorrectly sized ducts
  • Dirty condenser coils
  • Wear and tear on the air conditioner unit
Cleaning the condenser coil and ducts once or twice a year will help prevent these problems from occurring. Heating and air conditioning repair services in these areas can clean up any debris or dirt that has accumulated in the air conditioning systems to ensure that you breathe cleaner air.

We offer a wide range of services and can even offer regular preventive maintenance, including measuring and testing airflow, cleaning or replacing air filters, blades, and fan coils, and inspecting and adjusting motors, ducts, and the overall system. Poor airflow across a condensing unit can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common causes include clogged air filters, incorrectly sized air filters, dirty fan blades, dirty fan coils, malfunctioning motors, leaky ducts, incorrectly sized ducts, dirty condenser coils, and wear and tear on the unit itself. To prevent these issues from occurring, it is important to clean your condenser coil and ducts at least once or twice a year. Additionally, regular preventive maintenance should be performed to ensure that all components are functioning properly. If you suspect that your condensing unit is not performing optimally due to poor airflow, it is important to contact a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible.

They will be able to perform an airflow measurement test to determine the severity of the issue and advise you on whether basic repairs or replacement is necessary. By taking proactive steps to maintain your HVAC system, you can ensure that your home remains comfortable all year round.