Good heating and air conditioning service technicians learn early in their career that proper air flow is critical to the proper operation of any air conditioner or furnace. None of the performance standards that are published by the manufacturers can be properly met without having the air flow through the HVAC system.

What happens when you have improper air flow? The first thing you may notice is that the airflow to different parts of your home or building is not adequate. In most cases we find that the air flow at the critical point in the system, through the coils or over the heat exchanger or burners causes performance problems. Some of the problems that we find can do everything from increasing energy bills to causing damage to the system.

In the air conditioning mode improper air flow can restrict the transfer of oil back to the compressor causing early failure of a compressor. In the heating mode improper air flow can cause the heat exchanger to overheat causing premature failure or cracks in the heat exchanger. Not only are the repairs or replacements costly but a cracked heat exchanger can be life threatening if carbon monoxide escapes into the home.

Take the easy way out. Replace or clean your filters a minimum of two to four times per year and have both your furnace and air conditioner (or heat pump) cleaned at least once a year!

Mark Swepston, President