Tips for Technicians: Importance of Airflow
Ever been stuck on a tough repair or spent way too long figuring out a system issue? We’ve all been there. This new blog series is packed with practical advice, smart solutions, and hands-on tips you can immediately use to solve problems faster and work smarter. No fluff—just the information that makes a difference when you're out in the field.
Three critical performance factors
Correct airflow is critical to the health and performance of an HVACR system and diagnosing these issues help you better understand the results of other tests. When you’re troubleshooting a faulty system, there are three main areas you should check:
Electrical
Airflow
Refrigerant charge
Each of these requires its own unique tests and each one affects the other. However, they all work together to help HVACR technicians understand what’s happening within a system.
Checking Airflow On-Site
A few basic measurements can tell you a lot. Checking evaporator coil performance shows how effectively the system transfers heat and moves air across the coil. Using appropriate tools can also help identify where airflow restrictions are occurring within the system. Starting with simple, non-invasive tests before moving on to more complex diagnostics is a practical and efficient approach.
By routinely verifying airflow during troubleshooting, issues can be identified more quickly and with minimal system disturbance. If required, further testing, such as measuring refrigerant pressures, can then be carried out with greater confidence.
Three tests to check the airflow in an HVACR system:
- Delta T (Temperature Split)
Measuring the air temperature entering and leaving the evaporator coil to evaluate how effectively heat is being transferred. - Target Evaporator Exit Temperature
Calculating the expected supply air temperature based on return air conditions, including latent heat (the energy absorbed or released by a substance during a change of state), and comparing it to the actual temperature leaving the coil. - Total External Static Pressure
Measuring the static pressure on the supply and return sides of the air handler to pinpoint where airflow is restricted.
Common Causes of Poor Airflow
Some of the most frequent airflow issues seen in the field include:
- Dirty or clogged filters: one of the most common and easiest fixes
- Restricted or dirty coils: reduces heat transfer and air volume
- Leaking or poorly installed ductwork: air loss and uneven airflow
- Stuck or misadjusted dampers: limits airflow to parts of the system
- Incorrect fan speed: too low or too high can affect system performance
Fixing these issues often restores proper operation without touching the refrigerant circuit.
In Summary
Airflow checks should be part of every service call. They’re fast and help prevent misdiagnosis. Verifying airflow before moving on to refrigerant measurements saves time, avoids unnecessary adjustments, and leads to more accurate repairs.
Need tools that make airflow testing easier, faster, and better in the field?
