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, oil or natural gas to generate heat for the furnace while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric unit.

Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling, wall or floor of every room. If possible keep them open to ensure that air is flowing properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning on and shutting off the compressor and fan until they reach a preset temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside into your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats use the thermistor device made of metals that alter the electrical resistance with changes in temperature. The thermistor is linked to a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into the temperature reading. Thermostats come in a variety of styles that include programmable and smart thermostats that allow you to monitor your home energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms that are most frequently used. The location of a thermostat inside your home can affect its accuracy. For instance the thermostat that is located in direct sunlight may read hotter than the actual room temperature which can cause your system to run excessively or not operate at all. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work, call an AC technician.

If you’re thinking about replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the different options available to you, and consider a programmable model to save money on your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule rather than requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth a look to determine if you can locate an improved model that could provide you with even greater energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it should. The condenser is made up of numerous parts that all need to be functioning in harmony for the unit to work. If any of these parts get damaged or worn out, then the entire system can be impacted. The most common problems found in the condenser include a broken control board or refrigerant leaks.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser, where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant to cool down and convert back into a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid is removed and cooled before being transferred back into the evaporator to continue cooling. The process is repeated in order to reach the desired temperature for your office or home.

To ensure that your condenser is operating properly, you should ensure that the area surrounding it is free of debris. The condenser’s fans can draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, creating blockages and hindering the cooling system from functioning properly. It is a good idea to keep trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t get in the way of the unit. This will decrease the chances that berries, nuts or branches will fall into the system and cause clogging. Keep your condenser clean to extend the life of your AC system by a couple of years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the part that moves warm air into your home. It is made up of a string of tubing which is u-shaped and set into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat moves from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator is operating properly, the energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the warm air. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into gas. During this process, the heat that is not measured by thermometers, also known as latent heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are designed with special structures that enhance the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of the coils. Both aluminum and copper are used to build some evaporators, each with distinct advantages.

One of the most frequent problems with evaporators is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be a result of mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacterium will produce a smell that will spread throughout the house. This may cause discomfort.

It is essential to choose an evaporator that is easily maintained and cleaned. When selecting an evaporator it is essential to take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Some are built to withstand harsh conditions, while others can work well in moderate conditions. Lastly, you will want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid warranty that will ensure your investment.

Fan

The fan in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air in your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and save money on your electric bills. If your system’s fan keeps running we can replace it with a new ECM blower motor that is up to 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.

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

Filter

Air passes through the filter before it is warmed or cooled, and then circulated throughout the home. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It protects the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or even breakdown.

Homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis each 30 or 90 days, depending on the instructions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t certain what type of filter they require they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home based on factors like the climate, the frequency they use their system and even personal factors such as whether there are allergy sufferers living in the home.

The filter is located in the return air duct or in certain cases, the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct may be located on the wall, floor, ceiling, or utility closet, and it usually has a large, metal grate which covers the filter. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians to aid in cleaning and replacement.

Filters are assessed based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how effective they are at collecting different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV will be able to take on larger contaminants like dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters, on the contrary, are able to capture various contaminants without limiting normal airflow.