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Lionel Boulin • Feb 04, 2021

The Most Common Causes of Weak Airflow From HVAC Ducts

Weak airflow can cause a room to feel uncomfortable. It can be easy to dismiss this as a seemingly minor issue that will resolve on its own; however, you might want to have your HVAC system checked, particularly the ducts, to determine the specific cause of the problem.

In this post, Home Air Services — one of the area’s top  HVAC installation contractors  — lists three of the most common reasons why airflow from the HVAC ducts can become low.

Dirt buildup.

Air filters are tasked with keeping dirt and dust out of your HVAC system, but there’s usually a limit to what they can do. No filter can remove 100% of contaminants, so it’s normal for some particles to enter the HVAC system. These particles tend to stick to the ducts due to moisture or static pressure. Over time, the contaminants in your HVAC system will add up, spoiling air quality and creating airflow issues. Regularly cleaning the ducts can prevent dust and dirt from accumulating, allowing you to avoid airflow problems.

Leaks.

HVAC companies  may also look into the possibility of leaks if your ducts are having airflow issues. Keep in mind that your HVAC system should be completely sealed. The returns and vents are supposed to be the only entrances and exits, but sometimes vents get damaged and holes or gaps are formed in the connections, which then cause your home to leak air and lose air pressure. These can eventually make it harder for air to pass through the HVAC system and lead to weaker airflow. A leaky system can usually be fixed by patching up these small openings or installing new ducts in severe cases.

Closed or blocked vents.

For warm or cool air to condition a room, it needs to be able to enter and disperse effortlessly. This is where vents become truly helpful. However, vents typically have a closable grate or damper, which allows you to block airflow whenever you choose to. Sometimes an obstruction is created, causing the vents to become blocked. In this case, you should check for such obstructions and clear any closed or blocked vents.

Home Air Services has been in business since 1953. Our expertise covers heating, cooling, ventilation and indoor air quality. So whether you need a pro who can perform  air conditioning repair s or other HVAC services, you can count on us for a top-notch job. Call us at (301) 585-8100 or fill out our  contact form  to request a service.

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