No, You're Not Being Haunted; You Just Have Heating Airflow Issues
Doors closing by themselves. Strange whistling noises. Mysterious cold spots. Many people who experience these things think they're being haunted by the ghosts of homeowners passed. In reality, though, these are all symptoms of poor airflow in the home. Here are two things that cause this problem and what can be done to fix them.
Blocks and Clogs
Possibly the most common reason for poor airflow in a home is because of blocks and clogs somewhere in the system. Typically, it's something as simple as a filter that hasn't been cleaned in a long time. The dirt and debris in the filter act as a physical barrier that prevents air from moving around the home in a normal way. Thus, you end up with cold spots and stuffy air.
However, blockages in the vents, registers, and ducts can also result in poor air flow. Like with a clogged filter, these blockages can prevent air from moving freely around the home. In fact, the problem can get so severe that it causes imbalances in the pressure in the home, resulting in doors moving and closing by themselves, seemingly by a ghostly hand. If it sounds like your home is gasping for air each time you open a door or window, chances are good you have a pressure imbalance due to poor airflow.
The best fix for this issue is to clean the filters in your HVAC system, especially if it's been a long time since you've last done it. If that doesn't appear to be the problem, then have an HVAC specialist inspect your vents, registers, and ducts for clogs, and then have those items professionally cleaned if that appears to be the source of the issue.
Lazy Fan
Another reason for poor airflow in the home is a fan that doesn't turn as fast as it should. The fan on your furnace helps push and pull the air through the duct system. If it blows too slowly, then it can't perform this task as satisfactorily as it should, leading to airflow issues.
There are a number of things that can cause the fan to move slower than it should. Dirt and debris can have a major impact on the fan's performance, so cleaning it may be helpful. A damaged or failing motor is another reason for a lazy fan. However, this problem must typically be diagnosed and fixed by a professional.
For more reasons why you're experiencing poor airflow in your home or help fixing your furnace, contact your local heating repair services.