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 of an all-electric HVAC system uses propane or oil as well as natural gas to heat the furnace.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling, wall or floor of every room. It is recommended to keep them open to allow the proper circulation of air throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is among the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning off and on the fan and compressor until they achieve a specific temperature, and it also switches on the air exchanger in order to pull fresh, outside air into your home, while exchanging stale indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermosistor. The device is made of metals which change resistance as temperatures change. The thermistor, which is connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into a temperature. Thermostats come in a range of models, including programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home’s energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms most frequently used. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. A thermostat located 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 properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem, call an AC technician.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You will save money on energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to meet your schedule instead of having to manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also worth checking to see if you can find a better model that can provide you with even greater savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working in the way it should. The condenser is made up of numerous parts that all need to work in harmony in order for the unit to function. The entire system could be affected if any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most common problems found in the condenser include a damaged control board or refrigerant leaks.

The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser where fans blow cool air from outside over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool and return to a liquid state. This cooled low-pressure liquid then is redirected back to the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated until the desired temperature in your business or home is achieved.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser running correctly is to ensure that the area around it remains free of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers grass, and other debris can be taken into the unit by the condenser’s fan and create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is recommended to keep the bushes and trees cut back so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This will decrease the chances that berries, nuts or branches will fall into the system and clog it. Keeping your condenser free from 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 comprised of a series of u-shaped tubes that are arranged 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’s liquid becomes an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.

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

These coils are constructed with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. These are known as fins, and increase the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are built using copper while others use aluminum, with each offering its own set of advantages.

An evaporator that has a buildup of organic growth is susceptible to issues. This could be the result of mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacteria may produce a sour smell that will spread throughout the home. This may cause discomfort.

It is important to select an evaporator which can be easily maintained and cleaned. It is also recommended to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some are built to withstand harsh conditions while others can be used in moderate environments. Lastly, you will want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid warranty to protect your investment.

Fan

The fan in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air throughout your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on at all times for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electricity bills. We can replace the motor of the fan if it is constantly running. The new ECM motor is up to 70 percent more energy efficient than the old PSC motors. It will pay for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

If your fan is only running on high, the short circuit or broken relay could be keeping the thermostat settings from reaching the fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate the air throughout the house before it is heated or cooling. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating the internal components. It also protects family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or breakdown.

Homeowners should replace their filters regularly each 30 or 90 days, depending 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 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 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 is normally situated on the wall, ceiling or floor, or in the storage closets. It usually is covered by a large metal grille that covers the filters. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which reveals how well they are able to capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able to remove larger particles such as dust mites and pet dander however it’s not as efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on the contrary, can capture many different contaminants without limiting normal airflow.