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. Its blower uses propane or natural gas to create heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric unit.

Each room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling, walls or floors. It is recommended to keep them open if possible to ensure proper air flow throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial part of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning on and off the fan and compressor until they attain a certain temperature, and also switches 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 utilize an instrument called a thermistor made of metals that alter electrical resistance when temperature changes. The thermistor is linked to an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into the temperature reading. There are many types of thermostats, including smart and programmed thermostats. They allow you to monitor and alter your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are installed on the interior walls of your house, typically in rooms that are used the most. The place of a thermostat within your home may affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for example it could display a higher temperature than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat doesn’t work properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t help then contact an AC technician.

Consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You can save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust your home’s temperature according to your schedule instead of having to manually alter your HVAC system on a regular basis. It is also worth checking to determine if you can locate an improved model that could offer you even more energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-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 parts that need to work in harmony for the unit to work. If any of these components get damaged or worn out, the whole system can be impacted. Condenser problems include a broken condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser where the fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to liquid form. The liquid that is cooled moves back into the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated until it reaches the temperature you want for your office or home.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser working effectively is to ensure that the area around it stays clear of debris. Leaves, twigs, grass, and other debris can be taken into the unit by the condenser’s fan and create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is important to keep the bushes and trees cut back to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This will decrease the chances that berries, nuts, or branches can get into the system and cause clogging. The condenser that is free of debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that allows warm air to enter your home. It is made of a string of tubing that is u-shaped, and formed into panels. The coils are being blown by the air of the blower. This draws heat from 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 your indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat flows from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator is operating correctly, the energy of heat is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cold air. This causes the refrigerant to evaporate or boil. During this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured with thermometers) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils have been created with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Aluminum and copper are both used to make Evaporators, each with distinct advantages.

One of the most common problems with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be caused by mildew or mold. If this is the case, the unpleasant odors produced by the bacteria will be spread throughout the house and may cause discomfort.

It is important to select an evaporator that is easily maintained and cleaned. It is also a good idea to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh environments, whereas others can work well in moderate conditions. Also, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator is covered by a solid warranty to ensure 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 either be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bills. If your system’s fan is continuously running we can replace it with a brand new ECM blower motor which is up to 70 percent more efficient than older PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the life of the unit.

If your fan only operates on high, a short circuit or a malfunctioning relay could be preventing your thermostat from adjusting to your fan.

Filter

The air passes through the filter, before being warmed or cooled, and then circulated throughout the home. It removes impurities, and prevents dust and pet dander getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and may cause it overheat or breakdown.

Homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis. The label will tell them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t certain what kind of filter they need, they should consult an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in choosing the right filter for their home based on the climate and the amount of time they use their system, and other personal factors like the presence of smokers or allergies in the house.

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 ceiling, wall or floor, or in the utility closet. It often has a large grille made of metal that covers the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are assessed based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how effective they are at taking in 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 restricting normal airflow.