Why Your HVAC System Isn’t Working As Well As It Should

Your HVAC system sends temperature-regulated air through ductwork into different areas of your home. Its blower makes use of propane or natural gas, or oil to generate heat for the furnace while electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric system.

Each room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling, walls or floors. They should be kept open if possible to ensure proper air flow throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is among the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning on and shutting off the compressor and fan to achieve a set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside into your home and vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermosistor. The device is made of metals which change resistance as temperatures change. The thermistor is connected an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into an indication of temperature. Thermostats are available in a variety of options that include programmable and smart thermostats that allow you to monitor your home energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are located on the interior walls of your house, typically in rooms that are used most often. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. For instance, a thermostat located in direct sunlight might appear hotter than the actual temperature of the room which can cause your system to overrun or not operate at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, you can try setting it again however if this doesn’t fix the problem, you should call an AC technician for help.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your current thermostat. You can reduce your energy costs. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to suit your needs, rather than having you manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also advisable to see if there is a more efficient model, like one that is ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it is supposed to, one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser unit is made up of a variety of parts that need to be functioning in harmony for the unit to work. The entire system could be affected if any of these components are damaged or worn out. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant through the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant to cool down and convert back to a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled is redirected back to the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The process continues until the desired temperature in your business or home is reached.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser operating properly is to make sure that the area around it stays free of debris. The condenser’s fan can draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, causing blockages and preventing the cooling system from working properly. It’s a good idea also to keep your trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t get in the way of the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, branches, or even nuts fall and block the system. Keep your condenser clean to extend the life of your AC by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that circulates warm air into your home. It is made up of a series of tubing that is shaped like a U and then placed into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown through these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid turns into an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.

The law of thermodynamics states heat travels from warmer to colder objects. When the evaporator functions correctly, the energy of heat is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cold air. This causes the refrigerant gas to vaporize or boil. In this process, heat that is not measured by thermometers, referred to as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.

The coils are designed with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. These are known as fins, and they expand the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Both aluminum and copper are used to build some evaporators, each having their own advantages.

One of the most frequent problems with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This could be caused by mold or mildew. If this is the case, the sour smells caused by the bacteria will be spread throughout the home and can cause discomfort.

To avoid these problems, it is essential to select an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to endure harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate conditions. Lastly, you will want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid warranty that will protect your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat setting you have set is attained. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on at all times for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electric bills. We can replace the fan motor if it is constantly running. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors. It will pay for itself over the life of the unit.

If your fan is operating at the highest setting, a malfunctioning relay switch or short circuit could be hindering the settings you input on the thermostat from reaching your fan.

Filter

The air passes through the filter before being heated or cooled before being circulated throughout the home. It removes impurities, and also stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It protects the family members from illnesses caused by airborne pathogens. It also ensures the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or break down.

Homeowners should replace their filters frequently each 30 days or 90 days, based on the directions on the label. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional if they are unsure of the type of filter they need. A professional can help homeowners choose the right filter for their home in light of factors like the climate, the frequency they use their system and even personal preferences, such as whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers living in the home.

The filter is usually located in the return air duct, or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is usually placed on the wall, ceiling or floor, or in the in the utility closet. It typically has a large metal grille that protects the filters. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can take on larger contaminants like dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters can snag various contaminants without affecting the flow of air.