The HVAC system is designed to control the environmental conditions of a room through heating and cooling. It achieves this function by regulating the distribution and movement of air inside your home. If your HVAC system is not operating normally during winter, you are likely to endure a lot of discomfort, causing you to wear heavy clothing to keep you warm. Many things could explain why your HVAC system is not providing the required level of heat in your home. Here are some reasons you should know.
1. Lack of Maintenance
The primary reason why most HVAC systems do not last for a long period is lack of maintenance. A lot of dirt that accumulates in the system over time reduces its efficiency and ability to deliver full potential. The heat exchanger may fail in its performance when the motor is dirty as it is not exposed to enough moving air. Dirty air filters can amplify existing problems by restricting airflow. Filters need to be exchanged regularly even if they are still working, as their efficiency reduces over time.
2. Low Refrigerant Levels
If you are using a heat pump to heat up your home, there is a high possibility that your refrigerant levels may get too low. This causes the heat strips to come on frequently leading to exorbitant utility bills. You may be required to increase your refrigerant charge if you notice an increasing frequency with your heat strips. The compressor is likely to overheat and eventually fail if the level remains too low for so long. Recharging the refrigerant and fixing any leaks is less costly than replacing your compressor.
3. Dead Blower Capacitor
A blower capacitor looks like a big battery and is used to turn on a furnace after being initiated by a thermostat setting. Your blower may fail to achieve the proper RPM if the tolerance of the capacitor falls below the required level. A dying capacitor may be costly to repair especially when it leads to a blower malfunction. Most HVAC systems experience capacitor failure at some point in their lifetime. It is always important to check the tolerance of your capacitor when performing a routine inspection to detect any underlying problems.
4. Improper Ductwork Design or Installation
Sometimes the problem might be originating from your ductwork and not the heater. It is quite unfortunate that most HVAC contractors and builders rely on rules of thumb rather than using science when sizing and installing the ducts. Although you may end up with the right size of ductwork, it is still possible to have it installed more or less properly. Although the system will work, it will not operate at peak efficiency causing discomfort during winter. When they do a bad job during installation, you may never achieve proper airflow in your home.
5. Electric Control and Sensor Problems
If your HVAC system is performing poorly this winter, your compressor and fan controls are most likely worn out. This usually happens when your air conditioner is oversized causing it to turn on and off frequently. Electrical contacts and connections need to be examined by a professional on a regular basis since their low-efficiency levels are caused by corrosion of wire and terminals.
The thermostat sensor behind the control panel of an HVAC system measures the air temperature getting into the evaporative coil. The air conditioner could behave erratically or cycle constantly if the sensor is knocked out of position. Although the sensor needs to be close to the coil, it should not be touching it.
Reasons to Replace Your Old HVAC System
The comfort of your home lies in your HVAC system as it helps keep you cool during the hot summers and warm during winter. Repairing an older HVAC system may turn out to be costly especially when its spare parts are hard to find. If you are constantly replacing parts or performing frequent repairs, the best thing to do is to buy a new HVAC system to cut down on costs. Older systems also have more electrical issues and are likely to break down. Replacing the system with a new one can help solve the major problems.
Different HVAC systems require a certain level of maintenance to ensure they deliver full performance. If your HVAC system is not operating normally this winter, it is important to get it inspected by a professional as it may be experiencing any of the above problems.