How to Increase Airflow in AC: Seven Tips

If you notice your AC unit has had reduced airflow, you’re probably wondering what you can do about it. Aside from poor performance, reduced AC airflow can increase energy bills, decrease home comfort, and reduce indoor air quality. Below, our team at Premier Systems explores useful tips on how to increase airflow in your AC.

Contact us today by calling (406) 333-0277 to schedule professional AC repair in Bozeman, MT!

If you notice your AC airflow is struggling or significantly reduced, try to fix it with these methods. 

1. Change Air Filter

The simplest way to increase AC airflow is to regularly change air filters. Air filters capture dust and other particulate matter to prevent your home from becoming dusty.

A clogged air filter doesn’t capture particles and instead can staunch AC airflow. Experts recommend changing your AC filters at least once a year and twice a year if you live somewhere that has a significant amount of dust in the air. 

It’s also important you use the correct sized filter for your home. The typical residential AC should use a filter with a MERV rating between five and eight. Filters with MERV ratings higher than eight are extremely effective at capturing particles but can also reduce airflow and strain your system. 

2. Clean Your Vents

Dirty vents can also drastically reduce AC airflow. AC vents accumulate a large amount of dust and dirt as they distribute air throughout your home. Over time, the layer of dirt and dust can start to choke off airflow.

Vacuum and wipe down your vents at least once every few months to keep them in their best condition and protect your indoor air quality. You can also call a professional for duct cleaning services. 

3. Fix Duct Leaks

Reduced airflow could also be a result of leaks and holes in your ducts. Ductwork can form holes from general wear and tear, as well as foreign objects, pests, and impacts.

Ductwork leaks are most likely to form near the joints and seams of each duct segment. You can find duct leaks by visually inspecting your ductwork or performing a smoke test. You can also call an expert HVAC company to professionally test ducts for leaks. 

4. Get Regular AC Maintenance

AC maintenance is a key part of keeping your air conditioning in top condition. Dirty coils, clogged drain lines, and general wear and tear can all contribute to reduced airflow. Regular AC maintenance ensures your unit is performing at its highest levels and extends its lifespan. 

5. Resize Air Ducts

One reason for reduced AC airflow could be that your ducts are not the right size. If your ducts are too small for your home, airflow will constantly be below appropriate levels, regardless of the setting. Appropriate air duct size depends on several factors, such as:

• House size
• AC size
• Friction loss
• HVAC static pressure
• House dimensions

If you suspect you have incorrectly sized ducts, contact an AC professional to discuss ductwork replacement options. 

6. Add More Return Vents

One method to use when learning how to increase airflow in your AC is adding more air vents. If you only have a handful of vents in your house, airflow will be low no matter what AC setting you put on.

Imagine trying to water your garden with a sprinkler hose, but there are only a few holes. Poking more holes would increase water flow. Similarly, installing more return vents can increase AC airflow. 

7. Get a New Air Conditioner

If all the above solutions fail, the problem might be that your air conditioning unit is too small for your home and cannot produce the necessary airflow. Professionals measure AC airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and you need a CFM rating that is compatible with the size of your house.

Most standard residential produce about 400 CFM of activity per ton. You can call an HVAC professional to help you find an AC that is the right size for your home.

Benefits of Increasing Airflow in AC

Below are just a handful of the benefits of improving your AC’s airflow. 

Better AC Performance

The main reason to improve AC airflow is to enhance AC performance. When your vents aren’t clogged with dust and dirt, your AC will respond faster and perform better. A clean AC unit can change temperatures faster and won’t overextend heating and cooling cycles due to a lack of air. 

Lower Energy Bills

When you have restricted airflow in your vents, your AC system must work much harder to perform the same. The result is your energy bills skyrocketing while AC performance and usage stay the same. Increasing AC airflow reduces the strain on your system, lowering your monthly heating and cooling bills. 

Better Air Quality

Your AC also plays an important role in regulating air quality by cycling air through your house. When your air conditioner has low airflow, it cannot exchange air as effectively, so musty, dirty air stays in your house longer. Increasing your AC’s airflow lets it exchange a larger volume of air faster, reducing the amount of dust and particles inside your house and reducing the risk of allergies and sickness. 

Extend System Lifespan

A lack of airflow usually means your system is experiencing unnecessary strain. For example, clogged vents make your HVAC system work harder, which not only increases energy bills but also increases the risk of system breakdown. Moreover, turning the AC up to compensate for reduced airflow exerts a similar strain.

Following these tips on how to increase airflow in your AC can extend its lifespan by a significant amount. 

Heating and Cooling Services in Bozeman, MT

Premier Systems is your go-to HVAC company in Bozeman. We have several years of experience and can confidently complete any job you send our way, no matter what kind.



If you would like to schedule an appointment for heating and cooling services in Bozeman, MT, get in touch online or call our Premier Systems team today at (406) 333-0277.