Does it seem like your air conditioner is not blowing cold air like it used to? If you have noticed reduced airflow, the actual problem could be with your furnace filter. Some people fail to realize that the furnace is responsible for circulating air throughout the duct system. So, if the furnace is not working properly, your air conditioner will not be working properly. Sometimes, a very simple furnace fix can help increase the airflow of your AC system. This article explains how cleaning the furnace filter and its compartment can dramatically increase the airflow of your system.

Locating and Removing the Furnace Filter

First, you want to locate the furnace filter. The filter is actually outside the main furnace cabinet. You can find it where the intake duct is attached to the cabinet walls. There is a small slot that the filter slides into. The filter is usually quite thin but large, kind of like a pizza box but thinner. On some furnaces, you will need to open a small panel to pull out the filter. Nonetheless, it should slide right out of its slot without any tools. It is important to examine your filter to see how dirty it is. If it seems like there is an inordinate amount of dirt and dust buildup on the filter ridges, you definitely need to buy a brand new one. Filters are affordable and easy to find at most home improvement stores. Make sure you write down the model number of your filter to get an exact replacement because different brands use slightly different filters even though they are similarly sized.

Cleaning the Compartment

While the filter is removed from its compartment, you want to thoroughly clean it out. You probably need a little flashlight to see inside the compartment. You want to look on both sides of the filter slot to see if there is dirt buildup. If possible, use a hose vacuum to suck any dust up.

Then, you want to actually open up the main furnace cabinet and take a look at the motor. If your filter was previously incorrectly installed, there is a good chance that dust has blown through it and clogged the motor. You can easily clean the fan motor by just vacuuming it off. You should also wipe any dust off the fan blades. Even though this won't necessarily increase airflow, it will prevent dust from being circulated into your home.

As you can see, this is a very simple DIY project. You don't need any special tools or knowledge of HVAC systems. For more information or assistance, contact companies like Pristine Air Conditioning Corp.