When diagnosing airflow issues in an AC system, which component may need inspection first?

Air filters are crucial to the operation of an air conditioning system, as they directly affect airflow. If the air filters are dirty or clogged, they can significantly restrict airflow, leading to inadequate cooling and increased strain on the system. Inspecting the air filters first is a logical approach when diagnosing airflow issues because they are often the simplest and most common cause of airflow problems.

When air filters are clean and air can flow freely, you can then move on to examining other components, such as refrigerant levels, compressor functionality, and the thermostatic expansion valve, which are more complex and may not address the immediate airflow issue as efficiently. This initial assessment of the air filters helps to quickly identify and rectify a problem that may often be overlooked, ensuring that the system operates as intended and preventing further complications.