is there any way to improve air flow for a central A/C unit, other than changing the fan. filters are clean.?

Question

if it is a weak fan what is the approximate cost to replace.

Answer 1

Get your coil cleaned so it can work properly. As for the fan it's simple to take out . I do it myself. The filters do catch some of the dust but not all. If you take out the fan I bet you will find it's clogged with dirt, inwhich it can't force as much air through. Take it outside take water hose to it with pressure get it clean. Let dry reinstall and hook stuff back up just a few wires.
YOU will be amazed at how much air blows out.
Also invest in a filter that you can wash. Yes they are a little high but washing it pays off especially when you want have to keep buying the product.

Answer 2

Have you had your ducts cleaned out? That will improve air flow tremendously. Also, taking a water hose to the outside unit to spray away any debris around the outside of the unit. The debris, such as cottonwood seeds, can impede airflow and cause the unit to work harder. I just had a new unit installed a year ago and this is what the nice young man told me to do. I have not had any problems with it. As for the replacement cost of a weak fan...unless the fan blades are bent, it would possibly be the fan clutch that is weak or in need of replacement. You don't say how old your unit is...that could be another area to look at. Below is a link I have found useful...I hope everything works out okay for you...I know what it's like to be without free-flowing cool air in a hot house.

Answer 3

If you mean the blower (There's a fan on the outdoor unit and a blower on the indoor unit), you can normally change the blower speed by changing the wiring arrangement. Simple to do if you can read the equipment's wiring schematic. Air flow can also be improved by cleaning the vanes in that round blower wheel (squirrel cage). Removing the blower for cleaning is usually not a very complicated job if you don't get too heavy-handed. Good luck.

Answer 4

With out knowing to much about the situation, are you not getting enough air flow to the upper level? If that is the case you may have to adjust the vent openings from the furnace. In the Summer months you want more air flow to the top floor and less to the lower. If you are dealing with a ranch I would close vents in room you are not using to redirect more air flow to the vents that are in a room that is being used. As far as fan replacement. I would have to gander at about $150.00-$200.00. "labor cost". Not sure if this helps.

Answer 5

What is the recommended fan size in CFM for your home, is that what you have,is air flow the problem or is it that maybe other factors come into play like,the ac system low on refrigerant and needs to be charged,do you have enough vents in your house, are the cold air returns to your furness blocked.You should contact a ac service repair man this will probably in the long run be your least expensive and fastest way to get your ac working properly

Answer 6

The last guy ALMOST had it right. The interval could be as short as 1 month or as long as 3 months. The only thing i disagree with him on is the 3 pack of whispy filters. They can potential come apart and the fibers can clog deep within the evaporator. I would use the 3m you have, make sure they are the paper pleated ones and plan on changing them on the first of the month. Keeping up with this will insure a long life for your cooling system.

Answer 7

If the air flow has always been poor. Most evap. fans are multie speed and can be increased providing it is already on high. It means changing wires not flipping a switch. Have an a/c tech. do it

Answer 8

Is the return register large enough? Are the ducts coming from the furnace sized correctly?

I recently had an Energy Audit and discovered both are too small on my house. I suggest you contact your local utility company about getting an Energy Audit, I believe that most US cities offer them for free.

Be sure to ask the contractor doing the audit about return and duct sizing. The rule of thumb for return air is 1 sq ft per ton of compressor. It is a little more complicated for ductwork.

Answer 9

most of the time, air flow problems are a result of bad duct design. before you go to expense, have it looked at . usually it is because it is an older home with old "gravity" type ducts, sometimes it is a poor design or bad workmanship. people spend alot of money on bigger motors, duct booster fans, etc... and never really get the problem resolved....call a reputable company for advice.

Answer 10

A ceiling fan will improve air flow. I had one in Florida and it also cut my electric bill by about 20%.