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 is powered by propane or natural gas to create heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric unit.

Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling, wall or floor of every room. They should be kept open if possible to ensure that air circulation is maintained throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential component of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning on and off the fan and compressor until they reach a set temperature, and it also turns on the air exchanger to bring fresh air from outside into your home, while venting old, indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats make use of the thermistor device, which has metals that alter the electrical resistance with temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a controller converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats, including smart and programable thermostats. They let you monitor and alter your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms most often used. The place of a thermostat within your home may affect its accuracy. For example, a thermostat located in direct sunlight may appear hotter than the actual temperature of the room, causing your system to run excessively or not even run at all. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, you can try reset it, but if this does not solve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for help.

If you’re thinking of changing your thermostat, you should check out the various options available and think about the possibility of a programmable thermostat to reduce your energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to meet your schedule instead of having you manually alter your HVAC system on a daily basis. You should also determine if there’s a more efficient model, such as one that is ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should one of the most common causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser is made up of several components that be in sync to function. If any of these parts are damaged or worn out, then the entire system can be impacted. The most common issues found in the condenser are broken control board or refrigerant leaks.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant through the condenser which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool and return to liquid form. This low-pressure liquid is then cooled and transferred back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process continues until the temperature you want in your business or home is reached.

To ensure that your condenser is operating properly, you should ensure that the area surrounding it is clean of any debris. Leaves, twigs and 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’s also a good idea to keep your trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the chance that nuts, berries or branches can fall into the system and block it. Keep your condenser clean to prolong the lifespan of your AC by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the part that moves warm air into your home. It is constructed of a series u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown through these coils. This transfers heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid becomes a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat travels from warmer to colder objects. If the evaporator operates correctly, this heat energy passes from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. The refrigerant gas causes to evaporate or boil. During this process, the heat that is not measured using thermometers, also known as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are designed with special structures that enhance the transfer of heat. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of the coils. Both aluminum and copper are utilized to construct Evaporators, each with its own advantages.

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

To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh environments, whereas others can be used in moderate environments. In the end, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator has a solid warranty to ensure your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate the cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat setting you set is attained. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bill. If your system’s fan is constantly running We can replace it with a new ECM blower motor which is up to 70 percent more efficient than older PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the life of the unit.

If your fan is only running on the high setting, a broken relay switch or short circuit could be blocking the settings you set on the thermostat from reaching your 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 out of the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens that float in the air. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or even break down.

homeowners should change their filters regularly. The label will tell the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional in case they are not sure of the type of filter they need. A professional can help homeowners select the best filter for their home, in light of factors like the climate, the frequency they use their system and even personal factors such as whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers living in the home.

The filter is usually located in the return air duct or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct may be located on the wall, floor or ceiling, or even in the storage closets, and it usually has a large, metal grate that covers the filter. The filter should be accessible to homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they can capture different sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander however it’s not as effective at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filter can capture a variety of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect normal airflow.