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 electric HVAC unit uses propane, oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or on the floor of every room. If you can, keep them open to ensure that air flows properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is among the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning off and on 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 vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats use an instrument called a thermistor, which has metals that alter the electrical resistance when changes in temperature. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats are available in range of models that include programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are placed on the walls of your home, typically in rooms that are most frequently used. The place of a thermostat within your home could affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for instance, may show a higher temperature than the actual temperature of the room. 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 then contact an AC technician.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to suit your needs instead of having 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, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t functioning as well as it should. The condenser unit is comprised of numerous components that must be working in sync for the unit to function. If any of these parts get damaged or worn out, the entire system could be affected. The most frequent issues in the condenser are damaged control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pushed into the condenser where fans blow cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to liquid form. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled returns to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process repeats in order to reach the desired temperature for your home or office.

To keep your condenser running properly, you should ensure that the area around it is free of debris. The condenser’s fans can draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, causing obstructions and hindering the cooling system from functioning properly. It’s a good idea also to keep the trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t touch the unit. This reduces the likelihood that berries, nuts, or branches enter the system and block it. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that circulates warm air into your home. It is constructed of a series u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This is a way of transferring heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.

The law of thermodynamics states heat moves from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator is operating correctly, this heat energy passes from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into a gas. During this process, the heat that cannot be measured using thermometers, referred to as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with special structures that enhance the transfer of heat. These are also known as fins, and expand the surface area to help in the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both used to make evaporators, each with their own advantages.

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

It is essential to choose an evaporator which can be easily maintained and cleaned. When selecting an evaporator it is crucial to consider the working environment. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate environments. Lastly, you will want to ensure that your evaporator is covered by a solid warranty that will ensure your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air through your home until you get to the temperature you want. The fan can be on auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running continuous to maximize efficiency and to cut down on electricity bills. We can replace the fan motor in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is up to 70% more energy efficient than the old PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan is only running on the high setting, a damaged relay switch or short circuit may be blocking the settings you set on the thermostat from reaching your fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate the air in the home before it is heated or cool. It eliminates impurities and also stops dust and pet dander getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It also protects family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system works efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and eventually break down.

Homeowners should change their filters regularly. The label will tell them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t sure what type of filter they require and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in selecting the best filter for their home based on the climate and the amount of time they use their system, as well as personal factors like the presence of allergies or smokers 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 can be found on the floor, wall or ceiling, or even in the storage closets, and it often contains a large metal grate which covers the filter. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they can capture different sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to catch larger contaminants like dust mites and pet dander, but it’s not very efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters on the other hand, can catch a wide range of contaminants without limiting airflow.