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. The blower is powered by propane or natural gas, or oil to create heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric unit.

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

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by switching off and on the compressor and fan to achieve a specific temperature. It also turns on the air exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside into your home, while venting old, indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermostat. The device is made of metals that alter resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into a temperature. Thermostats are available in range of models including programmable and intelligent thermostats that allow you to track your home’s energy usage and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are installed on the walls of your home, typically in rooms where they are used the most. The location of a thermostat inside your home could affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for instance it could display more heat than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try resetting it, but if this does not resolve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for help.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your current thermostat. You will reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth a look to determine if you can locate an alternative that will offer you even more savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t performing properly. The condenser is made up of several parts that must work together to function. If any of these components become damaged or wear out, the whole system could be affected. The most frequent issues in the condenser include a malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor moves the refrigerant into the condenser which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant reduce its temperature and then transform into a liquid state. The liquid that is cooled is redirected back to the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until the temperature you want in your home or business is achieved.

To ensure that your condenser is operating efficiently, make sure that the area around it is clear of debris. The condenser’s fan could draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, creating obstructions and hindering the cooling system from functioning effectively. It is recommended to keep trees and bushes in good shape to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This will reduce the possibility that berries, branches, or nuts could fall and block the system. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the component that moves 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. Air from the blower fans is blown through these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat is transferred from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator operates properly, the energy is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cold air. This causes the refrigerant gas to boil or evaporate. In this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured with a thermometer) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are designed with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. These are also known as fins, and they expand the surface area to help in the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both used to build some evaporators, each having distinct advantages.

One of the most common problems with evaporators is an accumulation of organic growth. This could be caused by mildew or even mold. If this occurs, the bacterium may produce a sour smell that can spread throughout the house. This could cause discomfort.

It is crucial to choose an evaporator that can be easily maintained and cleaned. It is also recommended to consider the working environment when selecting an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to stand up to harsh conditions, while others can be used in moderate ones. Also, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator is covered by a solid warranty that will safeguard your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air in your home until you get to the temperature you want. The fan can be on auto or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and save money on your electric bills. If your system’s fan keeps running, we can replace it with a brand new ECM blower motor that is up to 70 percent more efficient than older PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air throughout the house before it is heated or cool. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating the internal components. It protects the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or even to fail.

Homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis at least every 30 days or 90 days, based on the directions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t certain which kind of filter they should use, they should consult an HVAC professional. A professional can assist homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home depending on factors such as climate, how often they use their system and even personal preferences, for instance, whether there are allergy sufferers living in the home.

The filter is located in the return air duct or in some cases the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct can be located on the wall, floor or ceiling, or even in the storage closets, and it usually has a large, metal grate that is covered by the filter. The filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are assessed based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which reveals how effective they are at taking in different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can take on larger contaminants like pet dander or dust mites but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters can snag many kinds of contaminants while not affecting normal airflow.