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 in an all-electric HVAC unit runs on propane, oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or wall of each room. If possible, keep them open to ensure air is flowing properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial element of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by turning on and off the fan and compressor until they attain a certain temperature. It also switches on the air exchanger to pull fresh, outside air into your home, while exchanging stale indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermostat. The device contains metals which change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a controller converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats are available in a variety of options, including programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and make adjustments.

Thermostats can be placed on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms most often used. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. For example, a thermostat located in direct sunlight could be more hot than the actual temperature of the room, causing your system to overrun or not run at all. If your thermostat isn’t working properly, you can try reset it but if that does not solve the issue then you should contact an AC technician for help.

If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the different options available to you and think about a programmable model to save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule instead of having to manually adjust your HVAC system on a daily basis. You should also determine if there’s an energy-efficient model, for instance one that is ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t functioning properly. The condenser consists of several components that be in sync to function. If any of these parts become damaged or wear out, the entire system could be affected. Condenser problems include a broken control board for the condenser, or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser, where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid is chilled and then returned to the evaporator to continue cooling. The cycle is repeated in order to reach the desired temperature for your home or office.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser working effectively is to ensure that the area around it stays free of any debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers, grass and other debris could be carried into the unit by the condenser fan and result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is also a good idea to keep trees and bushes trimmed to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This reduces the likelihood that nuts, berries or branches can fall into the system and block it. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is used to move warm air around your home. It is made of a series of u-shaped tubes, which are then set into panels. The coils are being blown by the air of the blower. This draws heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.

The thermodynamic law states that heat travels from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator functions properly, the energy is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cool air. This causes the refrigerant to vaporize or boil. In this process, heat that cannot be measured by a thermometer, known as latent heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

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

One of the most frequent problems with evaporators is the accumulation of organic growth. This could be caused by mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacteria will produce a smell that spreads throughout the home. This can cause discomfort.

To avoid these problems, it is crucial to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. When choosing an evaporator, it is essential to take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Some evaporators can withstand harsh environments, while others are suited to moderate conditions. You will also want to make sure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

The fan in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air throughout your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can be turned on auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running continuous to maximize efficiency and to save money on electricity costs. We can replace the motor of the fan when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is up to 70% more energy efficient than the old PSC motors. It will pay for itself over the life of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate the air throughout the house before it is heated or cooled. It eliminates impurities and also stops dust and pet dander getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It shields the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system works efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and can cause it overheat or breakdown.

homeowners should change their filters frequently at least every 30 or 90 days, based on the instructions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t certain which kind of filter they should use and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in selecting the best filter for their home based on the climate and how often they use their system, and other personal factors such as the presence of allergies or smokers in the house.

The filter is located in the return air duct or in some cases the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct may be found on the wall, floor or ceiling, or in a utility closet, and it often contains a large metal grate that covers the filter. The filter should be accessible to both homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which reveals how effective they are in collecting different sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able filter larger particles such as dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters on the contrary, are able to capture many different contaminants without restricting normal airflow.