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 electric HVAC system uses propane or oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.

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

Thermostat

The thermostat is an important component of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning off and on the fan and compressor to achieve a set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger in order 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 make use of a device called a thermistor, which has metals that alter electrical resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is connected an microcontroller that converts changing resistance into a temperature reading. Thermostats come in a range of models including programmable and intelligent thermostats that allow you to monitor your home energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in the rooms that are most often used. The location of a thermostat inside your home can affect its accuracy. For instance, a thermostat located in direct sunlight might read hotter than the actual room temperature which can cause your system to run excessively or not even run at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem contact an AC technician.

You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You can reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to meet your schedule instead of having to manually alter your HVAC system on a regular basis. You should also check to see if there is an energy-efficient model, like one that’s ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it is supposed to, one of the most frequent causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser is comprised of a number of parts that have to work together to ensure that the unit functions. If any of these parts become damaged or wear out, then the entire system can be impacted. Condenser issues can include a damaged condenser control board 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 form. The liquid that is cooled moves back into the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process repeats to achieve the temperature you want for your office or home.

To ensure that your condenser is operating efficiently, make sure that the area around it is clear of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers grass and other debris could be sucked into the unit by the condenser’s fan and cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It’s also a good idea to keep your trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t touch the unit. This will reduce the risk that branches, berries, or nuts will fall and block the system. Clean your condenser to prolong the life of your AC system by a minimum of 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the thing that circulates warm air inside your home. It is comprised of a series of tubes, which are then set into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown across these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool the air.

The thermodynamic law states that heat travels from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator functions correctly, the heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cool air. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate. During this process, the 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 specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper while others use aluminum, with each offering its own set of advantages.

An evaporator that is afflicted with a buildup of organic growth can be prone to problems. This can be caused by mildew or even mold. If this occurs, the bacterium can produce a foul smell that spreads throughout the house. This can cause discomfort.

To avoid these problems, it is important to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Some are designed to withstand harsh conditions while others are suited to moderate conditions. It is also important to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.

Fan

The fan 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 automatic or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on constant for maximum efficiency and to save money on electric bills. If your system’s fan is continuously running, we can replace it with an ECM blower motor which is up to 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the life of the unit.

If your fan only operates on high, an unbalanced circuit or a broken relay could be preventing your thermostat settings from reaching the fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air around the house before it is heated or cool. It removes impurities, and stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It safeguards the family members from illnesses caused by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and eventually break down.

Homeowners should change their filters regularly. The label will inform them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional when they aren’t sure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can assist them in selecting the right filter for their home based on the climate and how often they use their system, and personal factors like the presence of allergy sufferers or smokers within the home.

The filter is situated in the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct can be found on the floor, wall or ceiling, or even in the storage closets, and it often contains a large metal grate which covers the filter. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and service technicians to aid in cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they are able to capture different sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to capture larger contaminants such as pet dander and dust mites, but it’s not very effective at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters on the other hand, can catch a wide range of contaminants without restricting normal airflow.