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, oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or wall of every room. They should be kept open to allow proper air flow throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by switching on and off the compressor and fan until they reach a preset temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats utilize an instrument called a thermistor made of metals that alter the electrical resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is linked to an microcontroller that converts changing resistance into a temperature reading. There are various kinds of thermostats, including smart and programmed thermostats. They allow you to control and adjust your home’s power consumption.

Thermostats can be placed on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in rooms that are most frequently used. The location of a thermostat in your home can affect its accuracy. For example, a thermostat located in direct sunlight might be more hot than the actual room temperature which can cause your system to run excessively or not run at all. If your thermostat isn’t working properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem then contact an AC technician.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your current thermostat. You’ll reduce your energy costs. 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 is also worth checking to determine if you can locate a better model that can give you more savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t performing as well as it should one of the most common causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser unit is made up of many different parts that all need to be functioning in harmony in order for the unit to function. If any of these components are damaged or worn out, then the entire system can be impacted. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pushed into the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform to a liquid. This low-pressure liquid is then cooled and returned to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until the temperature you want in your home or business is reached.

To ensure that your condenser is operating efficiently, make sure that the area around it is clear of debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers, grass and other debris may be carried into the unit by the condenser fan and result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s recommended to keep the bushes and trees in good shape so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This can reduce the possibility that branches, berries or nuts will fall and block the system. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add 1-2 additional years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the component that circulates warm air into your home. It is made of a series of tubes that are arranged into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown across these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and 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 thermodynamic law states that heat is transferred from colder to warmer objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the heat energy is transferred from warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. The refrigerant gas causes to evaporate or boil. During this process the latent heat (which is not measurable with a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

The coils are made with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Both aluminum and copper are used to make evaporators, each with their own advantages.

One of the most common problems with evaporators is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be the result of mildew or mold. If this is the case, the sour smells that the bacteria produce can be absorbed by the home and can cause discomfort.

It is important to select an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. 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 environments. Lastly, you will want to make sure your evaporator has a solid warranty to protect your investment.

Fan

The fan in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air through 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 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 efficient than the previous PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air throughout the house before it is heated or cooling. It eliminates impurities and also stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It safeguards the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and can cause it overheat or to fail.

Homeowners need to change their filters regularly. The label will inform the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure of the type of filter they need. A professional can help homeowners select the best filter for their home, based on factors like climate, how often they use their system and even personal factors, for instance, whether there are allergy sufferers living in the home.

The filter is situated in the return air duct, or in certain cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is usually located on the wall, ceiling, floor or utility closet. It typically has a large metal grille that covers the filters. The filter should be accessible to both homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they capture different 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 filters, on the contrary, can capture a wide range of contaminants without limiting airflow.