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 makes use of propane, oil or natural gas to generate heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric unit.

Every room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. If you can, keep them open to ensure that air flows properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is among the most important parts of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning on and off the compressor and fan until they achieve a specific temperature. It also switches on the air exchanger to help draw fresh air from outside into your home while exchanging stale indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermostat. This device has metals which change resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a controller converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are many types of thermostats including smart and programmed thermostats. They let you control and adjust your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats can be placed on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in the rooms most frequently used. The location of a thermostat in your home can affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for instance, may show a higher temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This can cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting your device. If this doesn’t help then contact an AC technician.

If you’re thinking of changing your thermostat, you should check out the various options available for you and consider a programmable model to reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule, instead of having to manually adjust your HVAC system each day. You should also determine if there’s an efficient model, for instance one that is ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it should, one of the most frequent causes is your condenser. The condenser is made up of numerous components that must be functioning in harmony for the unit to function. If any of these components get damaged or worn out, then the entire system may be affected. The most common issues found in the condenser include a broken control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant through the condenser where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform to a liquid. The liquid that is cooled moves back into the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated in order to reach the temperature you want for your home or office.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser running effectively is to ensure that the area around it is free of any debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers, grass and other debris could be taken into the unit by the condenser’s fan and create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s also a good idea to keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t touch the unit. This will reduce the chance that branches, berries or even nuts fall and block the system. Keep your condenser clean to extend the lifespan of your AC by a couple of years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that allows warm air to enter your home. It is made of a series of tubes that are set into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown across these coils. This is a way of transferring heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid becomes a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool the air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat is transferred from colder to hot objects. If the evaporator is operating correctly, this heat energy moves from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate. During this process, the heat that is not measured using a thermometer, known as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils have been designed with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. Fins are used to increase the surface area of coils. Aluminum and copper are both utilized to construct evaporators, each having its own advantages.

An evaporator that is afflicted with a buildup of organic growth is susceptible to problems. This can be the result of mold or mildew. If this happens, the bacteria may produce a sour smell that will spread throughout the home. This may cause discomfort.

It is essential to choose an evaporator which can be easily maintained and cleaned. It is also recommended to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to stand up to harsh conditions, while others work well in moderate ones. Lastly, you will want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid warranty that will safeguard 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 turned on auto or continuous. We suggest keeping the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bills. We could 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 older PSC motors. It is able to pay for itself over the lifetime of the unit.

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

Filter

Air passes through the filter before being heated or cooled before being circulated around the house. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating the internal components. It protects the family members from illnesses caused by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or to fail.

The homeowner should change their filters frequently – every 30 days or 90 days, based on the directions on the label. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional in case they are not sure of the type of filter they need. A professional can assist homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home, depending on factors such as the climate, the frequency they use their system and even personal factors, like whether there are allergy sufferers in the house.

The filter is located in the return air duct or in certain cases, the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct is usually situated on the wall, ceiling or floor of the in the utility closet. It typically is covered by a large metal grille that protects the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how effective they are in capturing various sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able take on larger contaminants like dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture many kinds of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect the flow of air.