Most air conditioners are installed with the standard fan speed setting of 400 cubic feet per minute. However, if you’ve got excess humidity in your Kokomo, Indiana home or if your air conditioner isn’t blowing out cold air, it may be time to have your AC fan adjusted. Following are three times when reducing the speed of your AC fan can help.
1. You’ve Got Warm Air Coming Out of Your HVAC Air Vents
There are many reasons why air conditioners distribute warm air rather than cold including:
- Compressor damage
- Leaky ducts
- Obstructions at the outdoor unit
- Dirty evaporator coils
- Refrigerant leaks
Even a debris-covered air filter could be the culprit. However, in some instances, having warm or only moderately cool air coming from your air ducts is a sign that your AC fan speed is too high.
During the cooling process, warm indoor air is passed over an air conditioner’s evaporator coil. The refrigerant inside of this coil absorbs the air’s heat. When an air conditioner’s fan speed is too high, warm indoor air moves too quickly over the evaporator coil to have its heat removed.
2. Your House Is Both Cold and Humid
Excess humidity is uncomfortable at any temperature. Although it’s uncommon, it’s possible to have a home that’s both cool and humid. If your air conditioner is blowing out plenty of cold air but everyone in the building still feels clammy, it may be time to have your AC fan speed adjusted.
In homes that are naturally efficient, the demand for air conditioning is incredibly low. This leads to shorter cooling cycles and less time for air conditioners to extract excess humidity. You may be able to resolve the problem with a lower fan speed setting.
3. You’ve Had an Integrated HVAC Accessory Put In
Integrated accessories are installed in HVAC air ducts to work seamlessly with a home’s heating and cooling equipment. They include air scrubbers, air purifiers, and media filters among other accessory types. These upgrades should always be handled by licensed HVAC technicians. Certain HVAC system modifications may be necessary for preventing increases in air pressure and ongoing wear. More often than not, fan speed adjustments are an important part of the modification process.
Adjusting the fan speed in your home’s air conditioner isn’t something you should do on your own. A licensed HVAC company can assess the layout and needs of your living environment, and accurately diagnose any temperature or humidity-related issues you’re experiencing.
Weaver Family Heating and Air is a trusted provider of heating and cooling services throughout the greater Kokomo, Indiana area. We also provide home maintenance agreements. If your AC fan speed needs adjusted, give us a call today.
