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 all-electric HVAC unit runs on propane, oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.
Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling, wall or floor of every room. If possible, keep them open to ensure that air flows properly throughout your home.
Thermostat
A thermostat is one of the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by switching on and off the compressor and fan to achieve a set temperature. It also activates the exchanger 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 are available. Digital thermostats utilize a device called a thermistor which is made up of metals that change electrical resistance as temperature fluctuations. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are a variety of thermostats that include smart and programmable thermostats. These allow you to control and adjust your home’s energy consumption.
Thermostats are located 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. For instance, a thermostat located in direct sunlight may read hotter than the actual room temperature and cause your system to run too much or not run at all. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t help 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 thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule, instead of requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also advisable to find out if there’s an efficient model, such as one that’s ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.
Condenser
If your air conditioner isn’t functioning as efficiently as it is supposed to, one of the most frequent causes is your condenser. The condenser is comprised of several components that work together to ensure that the unit functions. The entire system may be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning control board for the condenser, or leaks of refrigerant.
The compressor moves the refrigerant through the condenser where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant cool down and convert back to a liquid. This low-pressure liquid is then chilled and then moved back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process repeats until it reaches 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 fan could draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, causing clogs 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 encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts or branches can enter the system and clog it. Clean your condenser to prolong the lifespan of your AC by a couple of years.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the thing that circulates warm air inside your home. It is made of a series of u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown through these coils. This transfer heat from the indoor environment to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool your indoor air.
The thermodynamic law states that heat moves from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator is operating correctly, the energy is transferred from warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant gas to vaporize or boil. In this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured using a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.
The coils are designed with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. They are referred to as fins, and increase the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both used to make Evaporators, each with distinct advantages.
An evaporator that has a buildup of organic growth is susceptible to problems. This is usually caused by mildew or mold. If this is the case, the unpleasant smells caused by the bacteria will be spread throughout the home and can cause discomfort.
To avoid these issues, it’s important to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Some are built to withstand harsh environments, whereas others can be used in moderate conditions. It is also important to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty which will safeguard you and your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat setting you set is attained. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on constant for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electricity costs. 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 pays for itself in savings over the duration of the unit.
If your fan is operating at the high setting, a broken relay switch or short circuit could be blocking the settings you set on the thermostat from reaching the fan.
Filter
The filter is used to circulate the air around the house before it is heated or cool. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It shields the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or to fail.
homeowners should change their filters on a regular basis. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure about the kind of filter they require. A professional can assist homeowners select the best filter for their home, in light of factors like climate, how often they use their system and even personal factors, like whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers living in the home.
The filter is usually found in the return air duct, or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct can be found on the wall, floor or ceiling, or even in the utility closet, and it often contains a large metal grate which covers the filter. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they can capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to capture larger contaminants such as pet dander and dust mites but isn’t very effective at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture a variety of contaminants without affecting the flow of air.