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 runs on propane or oil as well as natural gas to heat the furnace.

Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. They should be kept open if possible to ensure 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 of your home by turning off and on the fan and compressor to attain a pre-set temperature. It also activates the exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside your home, and to vent old 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 electrical resistance with temperature changes. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into temperature. There are a variety of thermostats, including smart and programmable thermostats. These allow you to control and adjust your home’s power consumption.

Thermostats are placed on the interior walls of your home, usually in rooms that are most frequently used. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for instance, may show more heat than the actual temperature of the room. This can cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat doesn’t work correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem then contact an AC technician.

You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You’ll save money on energy bills. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule instead of having to manually alter your HVAC system on a regular basis. It is also advisable to see if there is an efficient model, like one that is ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t working as efficiently as it is supposed to one of the most frequent causes is your condenser. The condenser unit is comprised of many different components that must work in harmony for the unit to work. The entire system can be affected if any of these components are damaged or worn out. Condenser issues can include a damaged control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pumped into the condenser, where the fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant to cool down and convert back to a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid is removed and cooled before being transferred back into the evaporator to continue cooling. The process is repeated until the desired temperature in your business or home is achieved.

To keep your condenser running correctly, you must ensure that the area around it is clean of any debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers grass and other debris could be sucked into the unit by the condenser fan. This can result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s a good idea also to keep trees and shrubs well-trimmed so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts or branches fall into the system and cause clogging. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add 1-2 additional years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is what circulates warm air inside your home. It is constructed of a series u-shaped tubes that are set into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown through these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat is transferred from hotter to colder objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the 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 is not measured with thermometers, also known as latent heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Some evaporators are built using copper while others make use of aluminum, with each having its own set of advantages.

A evaporator with an accumulation of organic growth can be prone to issues. This can be caused by mildew or mold. If this is the case, the foul smells that the bacteria produce will be spread throughout the house and could cause discomfort.

To avoid these problems, it is crucial to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to endure harsh environments, whereas others can be used in moderate environments. You will also want to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

The blower fan of 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 continuous. We recommend that you keep the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bill. 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 the old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the life of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air throughout the house before it is heated or cooled. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and break down.

Homeowners should change their filters on a regular basis. The label will inform them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t sure what kind of filter they should use and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can help them select the most appropriate filter for their home based on climate and how often they use their system, and other personal factors like the presence of smokers or allergies in the house.

The filter is usually found at the return air duct or, in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct may be found on the floor, wall, ceiling, or in the utility closet. It typically has a large metal grate that is covered by the filter. The filter should be easily accessible to both homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.

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