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 create heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric unit.

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

Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial component of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning off and on the compressor and fan to attain a pre-set temperature. It also activates the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside into your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.

Most thermostats are digital, however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats utilize the thermistor device, which has metals that change electrical resistance with temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are a variety of thermostats, including smart and programable thermostats. They let you monitor and adjust your home’s power consumption.

Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms most often used. The location of a thermostat in your home could affect its accuracy. For instance the thermostat that is located in direct sunlight may read hotter than the actual room temperature, causing your system to run too much or not run at all. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try reset it but if that doesn’t fix the problem, you should call an AC technician for assistance.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can save money on energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule, instead of needing you to manually operate your HVAC system each day. It is also worth checking to see if you can find a better model that can offer you even more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t functioning as efficiently as it is supposed to, one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser unit is comprised of a variety of components that must work in harmony in order for the unit to function. If any of these components become damaged or wear out, the whole system can be impacted. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning control board for the condenser, or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pumped into the condenser where fans blow cool air from outside over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to get cool and transform to a liquid state. This low-pressure liquid is then cooled and moved back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process continues until the desired temperature in your home or business is reached.

To ensure that your condenser is operating correctly, you must ensure that the area around it is clear of debris. The condenser’s fan can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, causing obstructions and hindering the cooling system from operating effectively. It is also a good idea to keep bushes and trees in good shape so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This will help to minimize the risk that branches, berries, or nuts could fall and clog the system. 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 what circulates warm air inside your home. It is comprised of a set of tubing that is u-shaped and formed into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown through these coils. This transfer heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system to cool your indoor air.

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

These coils have been created with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. These are known as fins, and increase the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are made of copper, while others are made of aluminum, each providing its own set advantages.

One of the most frequent issues with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This could be the result of mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacteria can produce a foul smell that can spread throughout the house. This can cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it is important 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 can be used in moderate environments. Also, you’ll be sure that your evaporator is covered by a solid guarantee that will safeguard your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate the cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat you set is reached. The fan can be turned on auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on continuous to maximize efficiency and to save money on electricity bills. If your system’s fan is constantly running We can replace it with an ECM blower motor, which is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the life of the unit.

If your fan is only operating at the high setting, a malfunctioning relay switch or short circuit may be hindering the settings you input on the thermostat from reaching the fan.

Filter

The air passes through the filter, before being heated or cooled before being circulated around the home. It removes impurities and also stops dust and pet dander from entering into the system and contaminating internal components. It shields the family members from illnesses caused by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and ultimately break down.

homeowners should replace their filters regularly. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional if they are unsure of the type of filter they require. A professional can assist them in choosing the most appropriate filter for their home based on the climate and how often they use their system, and personal factors such as the presence of allergies or smokers within the home.

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 located on the floor, wall, ceiling, or utility closet, and it usually has a large, metal grate that covers the filter. The filter should be accessible to homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.

Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander, but it’s not very effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filter can capture a variety of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect the normal flow of air.