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 uses propane, oil or natural gas to generate heat for the furnace while electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric system.

Each room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling or walls, or floors. If you can, keep them open to ensure air flows properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning off and on the compressor and fan to achieve a specific temperature, and also switches on the air exchanger to help draw fresh air from outside into your home, while exchanging stale indoor air through your ductwork.

Most thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats utilize the thermistor device made of metals that change electrical resistance as changes in temperature. The thermistor is connected to a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into an indication of temperature. Thermostats come in a variety of styles including programmable and intelligent thermostats that allow you to monitor your home’s energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

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

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your current thermostat. You can save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to suit your needs instead of having to manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. You should also determine if there’s an efficient model, like one that is ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t working as efficiently as it is supposed to, one of the most common causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser unit is comprised of a variety of parts that all need to be working in sync in order for the unit to function. If any of these components get damaged or worn out, then the entire system can be impacted. The most common issues found in the condenser are a malfunctioning control board or refrigerant leaks.

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

To keep your condenser running efficiently, make sure that the area around it is clean of any debris. The condenser’s fan could pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, creating clogs and hindering the cooling system from operating efficiently. It’s also a good idea to keep the bushes and trees in good shape to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This can reduce the possibility that branches, berries, or nuts will fall and block the system. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add two or three years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that circulates warm air into your home. It is comprised of a series of tubing which is u-shaped and placed into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown across these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool your indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat flows from colder to hot objects. When the evaporator functions properly, the energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the warm air. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured with thermometers) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. They are referred to as fins, and they expand the surface area to help in the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both utilized to construct evaporators, each having distinct advantages.

An evaporator that is afflicted with a buildup of organic growth is susceptible to problems. This could be caused by mildew or even mold. If this is the case, the foul smells caused by the bacteria will be circulated throughout the house and could cause discomfort.

It is important to select an evaporator which can be easily maintained and cleaned. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh conditions, while others can be used in moderate conditions. Also, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid warranty that will ensure your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate hot or cold air throughout your home until the thermostat you set is attained. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on continuous to maximize efficiency and to cut down on electricity bills. We could replace the fan motor in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is up to 70 percent more energy efficient than the old PSC motors. It is able to pay for itself over the lifespan 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 warmed or cooled, and then circulated around the house. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating the internal components. It also shields family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and break down.

Homeowners need to change their filters regularly. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t certain which kind of filter they need and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners select the best filter for their home, in light of factors like the climate, the frequency they use their system and even personal factors for instance, whether there are allergy sufferers in the house.

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

Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can take on larger contaminants like dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on the other hand, can catch a wide range of contaminants without limiting normal airflow.