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 or oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.

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

Thermostat

A thermostat is among the most important parts of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by switching off and on the fan and compressor until they achieve a specific temperature, and it also turns on the air exchanger to help draw fresh air from outside into your home while exchanging stale indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats use the thermistor device made of metals that alter the electrical resistance when temperature fluctuations. The thermistor, connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into a temperature. Thermostats are available in range of models, including programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home’s energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are located on the interior walls of your house, typically in rooms where they are used the most. The location of a thermostat in your home may affect its accuracy. For example one thermostat placed in direct sunlight could read hotter than the actual room temperature which can cause your system to run too much or not run at all. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, you can try reset it however if this doesn’t fix the problem it is recommended to contact an AC technician for assistance.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You will reduce your energy costs. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to meet your schedule instead of having to manually adjust your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth a look to see if you can find a better model that can give you more savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t functioning as efficiently as it ought to, one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser unit is made up of a variety of parts that need to work in harmony for the unit to function. The entire system may be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning control board for the condenser, or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor moves the refrigerant into the condenser which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant cool down and convert back to a liquid. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled moves back into the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated until it reaches the desired temperature for your home or office.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser running correctly is to ensure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers, grass and other debris could be taken into the unit by the condenser fan and create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s recommended to keep bushes and trees trimmed so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This will help to minimize the chance that berries, branches, or nuts could fall and block the system. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is what moves warm air in your home. It is comprised of a series of u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown across these coils. This transfers heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states heat moves from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator operates correctly, the energy is transferred from warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate. In this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured using a thermometer) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

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

One of the most frequent problems with evaporators is an accumulation of organic growth. This is usually caused by mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacterium can produce a foul smell that can spread throughout the home. This could 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 consider the working environment. Some are designed to withstand harsh environments, whereas others can be used in moderate environments. In the end, you’ll be sure that your evaporator comes with a solid guarantee that will ensure your investment.

Fan

The blower fan of your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air throughout your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be on auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bill. If your system’s fan keeps running, we can replace it with a new 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 duration of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air around the house before it is heated or cooling. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating the internal components. It also protects family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens that float in the air. It also ensures that the system works efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or even break down.

homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis. The label will tell the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t certain which kind of filter they should use, they should consult an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners select the best filter for their home in light of factors like climate, how often they use their system and even personal preferences, for instance, whether there are allergy sufferers living in the home.

The filter is typically located at the return air duct, or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is typically situated on the wall, ceiling or floor of the utility closet. It often has a large grille made of metal that covers the filters. The filter should be accessible to both homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.

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