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

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or wall of each room. If possible keep them open to ensure air flows properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential part of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching off and on the compressor and fan until they achieve a specific temperature. It also turns on the air exchanger to bring fresh air from outside into your home while venting stale, indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However older models are available. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermosistor. This device has metals which change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is linked to an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into the temperature reading. Thermostats come in a variety of styles that include programmable and smart thermostats that let you track your home’s energy usage and make adjustments.

Thermostats are placed on the walls of your home, usually in rooms that are used the most. The location of a thermostat in your home can affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for example, may show an upper temperature than the actual room temperature. This can cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat doesn’t work properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work then contact an AC technician.

You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can reduce your energy costs. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according 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 a better model that can provide you with even greater energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t working as efficiently as it is supposed to, one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser is made up of many different parts that need to be functioning in harmony for the unit to function. If any of these components become damaged or wear out, the entire system can be impacted. The most frequent issues in the condenser are malfunctioning control board or refrigerant leaks.

The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pushed 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 liquid at low pressure is chilled and then moved back into the evaporator to continue cooling. The cycle is repeated until the desired temperature for your home or business is reached.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser operating effectively is to ensure that the area around it stays clear of debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers, grass and other debris may be sucked into the unit by the condenser’s fan and result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is recommended to keep the bushes and trees trimmed to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This can reduce the chance that branches, berries, or even nuts fall and block the system. Keep your condenser in good condition to extend the life of your AC system by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator moves warm air in your home. It is made of a series of tubing that is shaped like a U and then set into panels. The coils are being blown by the air of the blower. This is a way of transferring heat from the indoor atmosphere 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 law of thermodynamics states that heat moves from colder to warmer objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the energy is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cool air. The refrigerant gas causes to vaporize or boil. During this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured using 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 increase the surface area to help in the transfer of heat. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper while others use aluminum, each offering its own set of advantages.

One of the most frequent problems with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This is usually caused by mildew or mold. If this is the case, the unpleasant smells caused by the bacteria can be absorbed by the house and could cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it is essential to select an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the working environment when selecting an evaporator. Some evaporators can endure harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate environments. Lastly, you will want to ensure that your evaporator is covered by a solid guarantee that will protect your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat setting you set is attained. The fan can be on auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on at all times for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electric bills. If your system’s fan is constantly running we can replace it with an ECM blower motor that is up to 70 percent more efficient than older PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the life of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate the air around the house before it is heated or cool. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating the internal components. It also shields family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or breakdown.

Homeowners need to change their filters regularly. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional in case they are not sure of the type of filter they need. A professional can assist them in choosing the most appropriate filter for their home based on climate and how often they use their system, and personal factors like the presence of allergy sufferers or smokers in the house.

The filter is usually found in the return air duct, or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is usually situated on the ceiling, wall, floor or storage closets. It usually is covered by a large metal grille that covers the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to both homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.

Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they are able to capture various sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able capture larger contaminants such as dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters on the contrary, can capture a wide range of contaminants without limiting normal airflow.