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 in an all-electric HVAC unit uses propane or oil as well as natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.

Each room has vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling, walls or floors. You should keep them open to allow that air circulation is maintained throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning on and off the fan and compressor until they achieve a specific temperature. It also turns on the air exchanger to draw fresh air from outside into your home, while exchanging stale indoor air out through your ductwork.

Most thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermistor. The device is made of metals that alter resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a controller converts the resistance change into a temperature. Thermostats come in a range of models that include programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and make adjustments.

Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms most often used. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. For example, a thermostat located in direct sunlight may appear hotter than the actual room temperature which can cause your system to overrun or not even run at all. If your thermostat isn’t operating properly, you can try resetting it, but if this doesn’t fix the problem then you should contact an AC technician for help.

If you’re thinking of replacing your thermostat, check out the various options available and think about a programmable model to save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your preferences, rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth checking to determine if you can locate a better model that can give you more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t working properly. The condenser is comprised of several components that work together to make the unit function. The entire system may be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. The most frequent issues in the condenser include a broken control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor moves the refrigerant into the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to a liquid form. This cooled low-pressure liquid then moves back into the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process repeats until it reaches the desired temperature for your home or office.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser working properly is to make sure that the area around it is free of any debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers, grass and other debris could be sucked into the unit by the condenser fan and result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is a good idea to keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t touch the unit. This reduces the likelihood that nuts, berries or branches can get into the system and block it. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator moves warm air in your home. It is made of a series of tubes that are set into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown over these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.

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

These coils have been created with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. Fins are used to increase the surface area of coils. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper, while others are made of aluminum, with each material having its own set of advantages.

An evaporator that is afflicted with an accumulation of organic growth is susceptible to problems. This could be the result of mold or mildew. If this is the case, the foul odors produced by the bacteria can be absorbed by the house and may cause discomfort.

It is crucial to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Some are built to withstand harsh conditions while others are suited to moderate environments. You will also want to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate the cool or hot air through your home until the temperature you have set is attained. The fan can be turned on auto or continuous. We recommend keeping the fan on continuous to maximize efficiency and to save money on electricity costs. If your system’s fan is constantly running, we can replace it with an ECM blower motor which is up to 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the duration of the unit.

If your fan is running on the high setting, a broken 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 around the house before it is heated or cooling. It eliminates impurities and stops dust and pet dander from entering into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It also shields family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens that float in the air. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and break down.

Homeowners need to change their filters on a regular basis. The label will tell the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t certain what kind of filter they need and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners choose the right filter for their home, depending on factors such as the climate, the frequency they use their system and even personal preferences, for instance, whether there are allergy sufferers in the home.

The filter is usually located at the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is usually situated on the wall, ceiling, floor or storage closets. It usually is covered by a large metal grille that covers the filters. The filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which reveals how effective they are at capturing various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV will be able to capture larger contaminants such as pet dander or dust mites but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filter can capture a variety of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect the flow of air.