Why is it important to increase airflow in my air conditioner?

Increasing airflow in your air conditioner is important because it enhances cooling efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and improves indoor air quality. In Bozeman, MT, where temperatures can fluctuate, maintaining optimal airflow ensures consistent comfort.

How often should I change my air filter?

It's recommended to change your air filter at least once a year, or twice a year if you live in an area with significant dust. In Bozeman, MT, where dust can accumulate quickly, changing your filter twice a year helps maintain optimal airflow.

What are the signs of duct leaks?

Signs of duct leaks include uneven cooling, increased energy bills, and visible holes or gaps in the ductwork. In Bozeman, MT, addressing duct issues promptly can prevent energy loss and maintain comfort.

How can I improve airflow in my home?

Improving airflow can be achieved by changing air filters regularly, cleaning vents, repairing duct leaks, and ensuring your AC unit is properly sized. In Bozeman, MT, these steps help maintain efficient cooling and indoor air quality.

When should I consider upgrading my air conditioner?

Consider upgrading your air conditioner if it's outdated, undersized, or frequently requires repairs. In Bozeman, MT, investing in a new, appropriately sized unit can improve comfort and efficiency.

How to Increase Airflow in AC: Seven Tips

Premier Systems

March 30, 2023

If you notice your AC unit has had reduced airflow, you’re probably wondering what you can do about it. Aside from poor performance, reduced AC airflow can increase energy bills, decrease home comfort, and reduce indoor air quality. Below, our team at Premier Systems explores useful tips on how to increase airflow in your AC.

If you notice your AC airflow is struggling or significantly reduced, try to fix it with these methods.

1. Change Air Filter

The simplest way to increase AC airflow is to regularly change air filters. Air filters capture dust and other particulate matter to prevent your home from becoming dusty.

A clogged air filter doesn’t capture particles and instead can staunch AC airflow. Experts recommend changing your AC filters at least once a year and twice a year if you live somewhere that has a significant amount of dust in the air.

It’s also important you use the correct sized filter for your home. The typical residential AC should use a filter with a MERV rating between five and eight. Filters with MERV ratings higher than eight are extremely effective at capturing particles but can also reduce airflow and strain your system.

2. Clean Your Vents

Dirty vents can also drastically reduce AC airflow. AC vents accumulate a large amount of dust and dirt as they distribute air throughout your home. Over time, the layer of dirt and dust can start to choke off airflow.

Vacuum and wipe down your vents at least once every few months to keep them in their best condition and protect your indoor air quality. You can also call a professional for duct cleaning services.

3. Fix Duct Leaks

Reduced airflow could also be a result of leaks and holes in your ducts. Ductwork can form holes from general wear and tear, as well as foreign objects, pests, and impacts.

Ductwork leaks are most likely to form near the joints and seams of each duct segment. You can find duct leaks by visually inspecting your ductwork or performing a smoke test. You can also call an expert HVAC company to professionally test ducts for leaks.

4. Get Regular AC Maintenance

AC maintenance is a key part of keeping your air conditioning in top condition. Dirty coils, clogged drain lines, and general wear and tear can all contribute to reduced airflow. Regular AC maintenance ensures your unit is performing at its highest levels and extends its lifespan.

5. Resize Air Ducts

One reason for reduced AC airflow could be that your ducts are not the right size. If your ducts are too small for your home, airflow will constantly be below appropriate levels, regardless of the setting. Appropriate air duct size depends on several factors, such as:

House size
AC size
Friction loss
HVAC static pressure
House dimensions

If you suspect you have incorrectly sized ducts, contact an AC professional to discuss ductwork replacement options.

6. Add More Return Vents

One method to use when learning how to increase airflow in your AC is adding more air vents. If you only have a handful of vents in your house, airflow will be low no matter what AC setting you put on.

Imagine trying to water your garden with a sprinkler hose, but there are only a few holes. Poking more holes would increase water flow. Similarly, installing more return vents can increase AC airflow.

7. Get a New Air Conditioner

If all the above solutions fail, the problem might be that your air conditioning unit is too small for your home and cannot produce the necessary airflow. Professionals measure AC airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and you need a CFM rating that is compatible with the size of your house.

Most standard residential produce about 400 CFM of activity per ton. You can call an HVAC professional to help you find an AC that is the right size for your home.

Benefits of Increasing Airflow in AC

Below are just a handful of the benefits of improving your AC’s airflow.

Better AC Performance

The main reason to improve AC airflow is to enhance AC performance. When your vents aren’t clogged with dust and dirt, your AC will respond faster and perform better. A clean AC unit can change temperatures faster and won’t overextend heating and cooling cycles due to a lack of air.

Lower Energy Bills

When you have restricted airflow in your vents, your AC system must work much harder to perform the same. The result is your energy bills skyrocketing while AC performance and usage stay the same. Increasing AC airflow reduces the strain on your system, lowering your monthly heating and cooling bills.

Better Air Quality

Your AC also plays an important role in regulating air quality by cycling air through your house. When your air conditioner has low airflow, it cannot exchange air as effectively, so musty, dirty air stays in your house longer. Increasing your AC’s airflow lets it exchange a larger volume of air faster, reducing the amount of dust and particles inside your house and reducing the risk of allergies and sickness.

Extend System Lifespan

A lack of airflow usually means your system is experiencing unnecessary strain. For example, clogged vents make your HVAC system work harder, which not only increases energy bills but also increases the risk of system breakdown. Moreover, turning the AC up to compensate for reduced airflow exerts a similar strain.

Following these tips on how to increase airflow in your AC can extend its lifespan by a significant amount.

Heating and Cooling Services in Bozeman, MT

Premier Systems is your go-to HVAC company in Bozeman. We have several years of experience and can confidently complete any job you send our way, no matter what kind.

If you would like to schedule an appointment for heating and cooling services in Bozeman, MT, get in touch online or call our Premier Systems team today at (406) 333-0277.

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How to Keep Your Indoor Air Clean When Wildfire Smoke Is in the Air

April 28, 2026

Wildfire season has become an increasingly common part of life in Southwest Montana, especially for homeowners in Bozeman, Belgrade, and Four Corners. While the smoky haze outside is easy to see, what’s happening inside your home is often less obvious. Many people assume that simply closing windows and doors will keep them safe—but wildfire smoke can still enter your home and impact your indoor air quality (IAQ) in ways that affect both comfort and health. Why Wildfire Smoke Indoors Is a Serious IAQ Concern Wildfire smoke is made up of extremely fine particles called PM2.5, which are small enough to pass through tiny openings and even some standard HVAC filters. Once inside your home, these particles can circulate through your ductwork and linger in the air. For homeowners in our area, poor indoor air quality during wildfire season can lead to: Coughing, sneezing, and throat irritation Headaches and fatigue Aggravated asthma or allergies Increased strain on your HVAC system Without proper filtration and system maintenance, your home’s air may not be as clean as you think. How Smoke Affects Your HVAC System Your HVAC system plays a major role in managing your indoor air quality —especially during wildfire events. When smoke enters your home, your system can either help remove harmful particles or unintentionally spread them throughout your space. If your system isn’t equipped with the right components, you may experience: Reduced filtration of fine smoke particles Dirty ductwork circulating contaminants Increased wear and tear on system components Decreased efficiency and airflow This is why homeowners across Bozeman and Belgrade are upgrading their systems to better handle wildfire smoke conditions. HVAC Solutions to Improve Indoor Air Quality During Wildfire Season The most effective way to protect your home’s air is through professional HVAC solutions designed specifically for indoor air quality in Four Corners, Belgrade, and Bozeman. Upgrade to HEPA or High-Efficiency Filters Standard filters aren’t designed to capture the smallest smoke particles. Upgrading to HEPA filters or high-MERV rated filters allows your system to trap significantly more airborne contaminants, improving your IAQ immediately. Install Whole-Home Air Purification Systems Advanced air purification systems integrate directly into your HVAC system to continuously clean the air as it circulates. These systems are especially effective during wildfire season when outdoor air quality is poor for extended periods. Add an Air Scrubber Air scrubbers go beyond traditional filtration by actively removing pollutants, odors, and particles from the air and surfaces in your home. This added layer of protection can make a noticeable difference in homes affected by wildfire smoke. Schedule Professional Duct Cleaning If smoke has entered your home, particles can settle inside your ductwork. Duct cleaning removes built-up contaminants and prevents them from being recirculated, helping restore cleaner air throughout your home. Keep Up with HVAC Tune-Ups Regular HVAC tune-ups ensure your system is running efficiently and filtering air properly. During wildfire season, a well-maintained system is critical for maintaining healthy indoor air quality. Long-Term Protection for Homes in Bozeman, Belgrade & Four Corners Wildfire smoke isn’t just a temporary inconvenience—it’s an ongoing challenge for homeowners in Southwest Montana. Investing in indoor air quality solutions through your HVAC system provides long-term protection for your home and your family. By combining: High-efficiency filtration Whole-home air purification Air scrubbers Clean ductwork Routine system maintenance …you can significantly reduce the impact of wildfire smoke indoors. Breathe Easier with the Right HVAC Support Your home should be a place where you can escape poor outdoor air—not bring it inside. With the right HVAC upgrades and maintenance, you can take control of your indoor air quality in Bozeman, Belgrade, and Four Corners, even during the peak of wildfire season. If you’re noticing smoke lingering in your home or want to prepare ahead of time, working with a trusted HVAC professional can help you choose the best solutions for cleaner, healthier air. Cleaner indoor air starts with the right system—and the right team behind it.