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 elements in an all-electric system.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or on the floor of each room. It is recommended to keep them open as much as you can to ensure the proper circulation of air throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning on and off the fan and compressor until they reach a set temperature, and it also activates the air exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside into your home while venting stale, indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats utilize the thermistor device, which has metals that alter electrical resistance as temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is linked to a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into a temperature reading. Thermostats come in a variety of options including programmable and intelligent thermostats that allow you to monitor your home energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in the rooms most often used. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for instance, may show an upper temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This can cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work contact an AC technician.

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

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t working as efficiently as it should, 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. The entire system may be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. Condenser problems include a broken condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pushed into the condenser, where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to a liquid state. This cooled low-pressure liquid then is redirected back to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until it reaches the temperature you desire for your home or office.

To keep your condenser running correctly, you must ensure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers, grass and other debris could be sucked into the unit by the condenser fan. This can result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s also a good idea to keep the trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t touch the unit. This will help to minimize the risk that berries, branches, or nuts could fall on the system and cause a blockage. The condenser that is free of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that moves warm air into your home. It is made of a set of tubing that is shaped like a U and then placed into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown through these coils. This transfers heat from the indoor environment to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat is transferred from colder to hot objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the heat energy moves from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant gas to vaporize or boil. During this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured using thermometers) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

The coils are made with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of coils. Some evaporators are made of copper, while others are made of aluminum, with each material having its own set of advantages.

One of the most common issues with an evaporator is the accumulation of organic growth. This can be the result of mold or mildew. If this happens, the bacterium will produce a smell that spreads throughout the home. This can cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it’s essential to select an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is crucial to think about the working environment. Certain evaporators are designed to withstand harsh environments, while others are suited to moderate conditions. Also, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator has a solid warranty that will safeguard your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat setting you have set is attained. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and save money on your electric bills. If your system’s fan is continuously 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 duration of the unit.

If your fan is only operating at the highest setting, a broken relay switch or short circuit may be blocking the settings you set on the thermostat from reaching your fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air throughout the house before it is heated or cooling. It removes impurities, and prevents dust and pet dander from entering into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It safeguards the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and eventually break down.

Homeowners should change their filters regularly. The label will tell them if 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 need. A professional can assist 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 allergy or smokers sufferers in the house.

The filter is typically located 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 in a in the utility closet. It typically 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 assessed based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how effective they are in capturing various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able to remove larger particles such as dust mites and pet dander, but it’s not very effective at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on contrary, can capture various contaminants without limiting normal airflow.