My Central Air Conditioner Is Blowing Low, Not Hard

Filter

• An overly dirty air filter will prevent air from being sucked into a central unit, and, in turn, prevent air from blowing out of the unit. In order for the unit to be at its full blowing capacity, the air filter must be free of dirt or dust. Also, an incorrectly inserted air filter might prevent air from being sucked through the unit. You can remove the intake grille from the filter area and remove the filter. Directions as to the correct insertion direction are printed on the side of the filter. If the filter is reusable, you can clean it with water or a vacuum cleaner.

Debris

• Foreign objects sucked or placed inside the unit can hinder the proper operation of the central air conditioner. Debris such as plastic bags, sticks or string can wrap around the AC fan component and prevent it from turning at full power. If the fan is unable to turn, then air is unable to flow at full power from the unit into the home. You can remove panels from the central unit to reveal the fan compartment. You should check the motor and the fan axle to determine if debris hinders its movement.

Ball Bearings

• The ball bearings of the fan component are vital to the system by allowing the fan to turn quickly. Dirty or dry ball bearings slow up the fan and lower the cold air production of the central air conditioner overall. Ball bearings require lubrication in order for the fan to turn freely. Insert electrical motor oil into the lubrication ports that lead to the ball bearings. Each time the bearings are lubricated, you can spin the fan around to work the oil between the bearings. As soon as the fan turns freely, you know the bearings have been properly lubricated.

Ice

• The development of ice within the unit is not a good thing, as much as it sounds like it is. It can result from a number of situations, including a broken thermostat or fan or low outdoor temperatures. Ice builds up on components inside the unit, sometimes including the cooling element. If the cooling element is covered in ice, air is unable to blow past the ice and into the home. You can turn the unit off and allow the ice to thaw, or activate the heating component of the system.