How to Fix Low Airflow from Your AC in Older Homes

If your older home feels warm and stuffy even when the AC is running, you may be dealing with low airflow. This is a common issue in many older properties across the Cleveland area, and it can lead to inconsistent cooling, high energy bills, and unnecessary strain on your air conditioner. At Hardin Bros HVAC, we specialize in diagnosing and resolving airflow problems—especially in homes that weren’t built with modern HVAC systems in mind.

In this post, we’ll break down what causes low airflow in older homes, what you can do to improve it, and when to bring in a professional to ensure long-term comfort and performance.

Why airflow problems are common in older homes

Many homes built before the 1980s were not originally designed to accommodate central air conditioning. Even if a system was added later, it often had to be retrofitted into a structure that wasn’t laid out with modern HVAC standards in mind. As a result, airflow issues are common—especially during peak summer months when systems are under the most strain.

Older construction often brings with it a set of unique challenges, including:

• • Undersized or outdated ductwork that restricts airflow and limits distribution to certain areas
  • Excessively long duct runs or inefficient layouts that allow air to lose velocity before reaching vents
  • Inadequate or poorly located return air vents, which can cause pressure imbalances and uneven cooling
  • Aging HVAC systems that no longer perform efficiently, often due to worn-out blower motors or outdated technology
  • Hidden duct leaks behind walls, in crawlspaces, or in attics that allow conditioned air to escape before reaching the rooms that need it
  • Clogged filters or obstructed vents, which create resistance in the system and lower overall airflow

These issues not only make certain rooms uncomfortable, they also force your AC to work harder—leading to higher energy bills, poor indoor air quality, and premature system wear.

At Hardin Bros HVAC, we specialize in identifying and correcting airflow problems in older homes across the Cleveland Metro area. Whether it’s rebalancing ductwork, upgrading components, or recommending targeted improvements, we help you get the most out of your existing system while improving comfort and efficiency.

Signs your AC has a low airflow problem

If your home doesn’t feel as cool as it should, or certain rooms never seem to reach the right temperature, low airflow could be the culprit. Identifying the warning signs early can prevent unnecessary wear on your system and help you avoid high utility bills.

Common symptoms include:

• • Weak or inconsistent airflow from one or more vents, even when the thermostat is set properly
  • Hot, humid, or stuffy rooms—especially on upper floors or far from the air handler
  • Unexplained increases in energy costs, despite no change in usage or thermostat settings
  • AC unit running for long periods without adequately cooling the home
  • Dust accumulating around vents or returns, which may point to duct leaks or circulation problems
  • Unusual noises like whistling, hissing, or rattling from the vents, signaling pressure issues or blockages

If you’re noticing any of these issues, it’s likely your system isn’t distributing air properly—either due to a mechanical issue, blocked ductwork, or an aging system.

At Hardin Bros HVAC, we perform thorough system inspections, ductwork evaluations, and airflow balancing services to pinpoint the cause and recommend the most effective solution. Whether it’s a simple fix or a larger system adjustment, we’ll help restore comfort and efficiency to your home.

How to improve airflow in older homes

Fixing low airflow starts with identifying the root cause. In older homes, the solution may be as simple as replacing a filter or as involved as reworking outdated duct systems. Many of these issues build up over time, especially in homes that were not originally designed for central air. Here’s a closer look at what you can do to improve airflow and restore consistent comfort:

1. Replace or clean your air filter

This is the easiest and most often overlooked solution. A dirty air filter restricts airflow and can cause your system to run inefficiently—or not at all. It also leads to dust buildup on internal components, which further reduces performance.

• • • Use the correct size and MERV rating recommended for your unit to avoid unnecessary strain on the blower
    • Avoid high-resistance filters in older systems unless advised by a technician
    • Replace filters every 30–60 days, or more frequently if you have pets, allergies, or live in a high-pollen area

Hardin Bros HVAC includes filter checks and replacements during all routine AC maintenance visits, helping you avoid airflow issues before they start.

2. Open and unblock all supply and return vents

Blocked vents are a common cause of weak airflow in specific rooms. When supply vents are obstructed or return vents are closed off, it disrupts the pressure balance in your duct system, forcing the HVAC unit to work harder and potentially creating hot or cold spots throughout the home.

• • • Walk room-to-room and inspect every vent, including those behind furniture or drapes
    • Make sure return vents are clear, as blocked returns can significantly reduce system efficiency
    • Don’t close vents in unused rooms, as this can cause pressure buildup and air leakage elsewhere
    • Use vent extenders or deflectors to redirect air around furniture when necessary

If airflow is uneven even after vents are cleared, Hardin Bros HVAC can perform a full airflow balancing service to restore consistent cooling across your home.

3. Inspect and seal leaky ductwork

Duct leakage is a major issue in older homes, especially when ducts run through unconditioned areas like attics, crawlspaces, or basements. These leaks allow cooled air to escape before it reaches your living spaces—and they often go unnoticed for years.

• • • Check for visible gaps, rust, or disconnected joints in exposed duct runs
    • Listen for whistling or hissing sounds around ducts when the system is running
    • Insulate ducts in hot or cold areas to minimize heat transfer and improve efficiency

Hardin Bros HVAC offers professional duct sealing using proven materials that last. We also provide duct insulation upgrades to help you retain more conditioned air and reduce energy waste.

4. Evaluate your blower motor and indoor coil

If your air filter and ducts are in good shape but airflow is still weak, the issue may lie inside your HVAC unit. A weak blower motor or dirty evaporator coil can drastically limit how much air moves through your system.

• • • Blower motors wear down over time, reducing fan speed and overall pressure
    • Dust and debris on evaporator coils restrict airflow and cause the system to work harder
    • Excess humidity and condensation can lead to microbial buildup on coils, further restricting performance

During a diagnostic service call, Hardin Bros HVAC will test your blower motor, inspect your coils, and recommend targeted AC repairs or coil cleaning to restore airflow without a full replacement.

5. Consider system upgrades or zoning

In some older homes, especially those with multiple floors or added square footage over the years, the existing system simply can’t deliver even airflow to every room. In these cases, upgrading the system or installing zoning controls may be the most effective long-term fix.

• • • Zoning systems divide your home into zones, each with its own thermostat and airflow control
    • Smart dampers and programmable thermostats can direct more air to harder-to-cool areas like upstairs bedrooms or additions
    • Upgrading to a variable-speed system provides better control, efficiency, and airflow management than single-stage equipment

Hardin Bros HVAC specializes in HVAC system replacements and custom zoning solutions designed specifically for older Cleveland homes. We tailor every upgrade to your home’s layout, usage patterns, and comfort goals.

Mini case study: Solving airflow issues in Lakewood

We recently worked with a homeowner in Lakewood whose second-floor bedrooms were always warmer than the rest of the home. After inspecting the duct system, we found several undersized runs and a partially blocked return vent. Our team sealed the leaks, cleaned the coils, and installed a duct booster fan. The result? Even, quiet cooling throughout the entire house—and a much lower energy bill the following month.

Why choose Hardin Bros HVAC

As a family-owned business with deep roots in the Cleveland area, Hardin Bros HVAC understands the unique challenges of older homes. We don’t rely on guesswork—we take the time to thoroughly inspect your system, identify restrictions, and recommend solutions that actually work.

Whether it’s a simple AC tune-up, duct sealing, or a complete HVAC system upgrade, our goal is to restore comfort and efficiency to your home without overselling services you don’t need.

We pride ourselves on honest advice, skilled workmanship, and long-term results.

Proudly serving Cleveland and surrounding areas

Hardin Bros HVAC serves homeowners throughout the Cleveland Metro area, including:

• • Rocky River
  • Fairview Park
  • Lakewood
  • North Olmsted
  • Parma
  • Parma Heights
  • Middleburg Heights
  • Strongsville
  • North Royalton
  • Broadview Heights
  • Valley View
  • Westlake
  • Brook Park
  • Brooklyn
  • Independence

Restore your AC’s airflow with professional help

Stop living with weak airflow and uncomfortable rooms. At Hardin Bros HVAC, we’ll assess your entire system, pinpoint the issue, and recommend the right fix—whether that’s duct sealing, a new blower motor, or a custom retrofit designed for your home.

Call us today or request an estimate online to schedule your AC service. We’re proud to serve the Cleveland area with expert HVAC solutions for older homes that need modern comfort.