If your furnace has low airflow, you probably aren’t happy with your home’s comfort levels. As the provider of premium heating services in Charleston, WV, Best Virginia Heating & Cooling can help you understand the causes of your restricted airflow. From Edgewood Acres to Loudon Heights, we’ll provide you with the help you need.
Why Is Airflow Important in Your Charleston Home?
Why do you want optimal airflow from your furnace? The primary reason involves creating a comfortable environment in your home.
When you have low heating system airflow, you can’t efficiently heat your home, and you’ll see your energy bills rise. When temperatures drop below freezing, this also becomes a safety issue.
Low airflow often indicates you have greater furnace issues that you should address quickly. They’ll only grow worse and require you to spend significant money on repairs or early replacement.
Most Common Causes and Fixes of Low Airflow
What are the most common causes of reduced airflow in a combustion furnace?
Limited Return Vents
Return vents collect the air after it cools and sends it back to the furnace for reheating. When you don’t have enough vents in a room, it affects the pressure, and your ducts won’t deliver a steady stream of air to that room.
How do you fix this issue in Charleston? If your furnace has low airflow, the best long-term solution involves modifying your ductwork so you have the right number of vents. In the short term, you can keep your interior doors open and run your ceiling fans to help circulate the air more effectively.
Air Filter Buildup
If you have an airflow obstruction, check your filter before anything else. All the air that comes from your furnace passes through it, and it collects dirt and debris so your air stays pure. However, if it accumulates too much dirt, it will block your airflow.
To avoid the myriad of heating problems that arise from a dirty air filter, change it at least once a month. It may require more frequent attention if you have pets, smoke, or live in an area with high levels of pollution.
Air Duct Issues
Various air duct issues can affect your indoor airflow. Your ducts act like the circulatory system, and your furnace and air condition resemble your home’s heart. If your ducts develop leaks, blockages, tears, or other issues, not all your air will reach your vents.
Ask your HVAC technician to check the quality of your ducts during your annual furnace maintenance. You should also schedule cleaning for your ducts every three to five years. When you keep dirt and dust buildup minimal, you help your ducts last longer.
Closed Dampers
If your Charleston furnace has low airflow, check the dampers on your registers. The registers that deliver air to each room have levers and dials so you can close them. You may bump them unintentionally, close them without remembering, or another member of your household may tinker with them.
Thankfully, this requires an easy fix you can do yourself. However, if all your dampers are open or it doesn’t fix your restricted airflow, you’ll need an HVAC technician to diagnose the issue.
Broken Air Handler
What is the air handler? It takes the warmed air from your furnace and blows it into your ductwork for distribution. Several things can go wrong with your air handler, including:
- Dirt buildup that impedes movement
- Broken motor or components
- Loose wires or connections
- Lack of lubrication
- Worn, aged, or damaged pieces
Only a certified HVAC technician should repair an air handler.
Caring for Your Furnace
When you properly care for your furnace, you reduce the likelihood you’ll experience airflow issues or other furnace problems. The best thing you can do for your furnace is schedule annual maintenance. This identifies and eliminates problems before they become serious.
You should also run your furnace moderately to reduce wear and tear and minimize dirt buildup. The United States Department of Energy suggests you set your thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter. You can stay warm by wearing warm clothes, drinking hot beverages, and using blankets.
Schedule Service for Your Charleston Furnace Today
If your furnace has low airflow, don’t hesitate to call Best Virginia Heating & Cooling. We’ve served the area since 2007 and always work diligently to solve your issue and leave you satisfied. Whether you live by Ivydale or Yeager Airport, you’ll appreciate our competitive prices and dedication to excellence in everything from AC maintenance to furnace repairs.
To schedule an appointment, contact us today. Get help now.