When you discover that your furnace has much weaker air flow, you’ll know this is a problem. First, there is a problem that is causing the weaker air flow. Additionally, your heating system efficiency is now compromised. It is important to get to the root of the problem. In some cases, the blower may be at fault or a much more simpler problem is the source, such as an air duct obstruction. Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning will cover some of the common reasons why your furnace may have weak air flow.
Air Duct Flaws
When there is weak air flow from your furnace it may be the air ducts. The air ducts may have a leak and release much of the air that passes through the air ducts. There may also be an obstruction somewhere with the air duct system. If you have always had poor air flow and a high bill due to your HVAC system, the air duct overall design may just be bad. To determine if the poor air flow is due to your air duct system, you will want to have the air duct system inspected and checked for poor design, leaks, and obstructions.
Blower Motor Failure
The warm air that a furnace produces is circulated through the air ducts because of the blower. Once enough warm air has been produced, the blower motor kicks on, and circulates the warm air through the air duct system. When the air ducts are found to be healthy, the leaked air flow may be due to a failing blower motor. The blower motor works hard circulating the warm air multiple times each day. It is not uncommon for the blower motor to become worn out. The motor may need to be replaced if it has worn down. Another reason behind weak air flow is a dirty blower. The blower can become full of dirt which will slow down the rotation of the blower fan which in turn, will cause weak air flow. Often the blower fan needs to be cleaned out.
Faulty Damper Valve
A damper valve is part of the air duct system and is mostly found in commercial buildings or very large homes. However, some single family homes may have damper valves, but it is rare. A damper valve is a mechanism that opens and closes, controlling where the warm air will be circulated. For example, heat tends to rise, so the first floor of a home will need to be heated and not the upper floors. For those who have damper valves, there are two types. One is the manual and the second is the automatic. A manual damper is controlled by a person. In some cases a damper valve is changed and then forgotten. This may be the reason behind weak air flow in some areas of the home or building. An automatic damper vale is controlled by the thermostat. If the control is faulty or if a damper valve has become stuck, you will have weak air flow.
If your furnace is producing weak air flow it is well worth investigating. To ensure your home stays home and your heating system is efficient, contact Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning. We will help determine why you have weak air from your furnace!