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 all-electric HVAC unit uses propane or oil as well as natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.

Each room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling, walls or floors. It is recommended to keep them open if possible to ensure proper air flow throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential component of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning on and shutting off the compressor and fan to reach a preset temperature. It also activates the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats make use of a device called a thermistor which is made up of metals that alter the electrical resistance as temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is connected an microcontroller that converts changing resistance into an indication of temperature. There are many types of thermostats including smart and programmed thermostats. They allow you to control and alter your home’s energy consumption.

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 that is placed in direct sunlight, for instance could show an upper temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, you can try reset it however if this does not resolve the issue then you should contact an AC technician for help.

If you’re thinking about replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the various options available to you, and consider a programmable model to save money on your energy costs. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule, instead of requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system every day. It is also worth checking to see if you can find a better model that can give you more energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t performing as well as it is supposed to, one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser unit is made up of many different components that must work in harmony for the unit to work. If any of these components become damaged or wear out, then the entire system may be affected. Condenser issues can include a damaged control board for the condenser, or leaks of refrigerant.

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

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser working properly is to make sure that the area around it is free of debris. The condenser’s fans can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, causing obstructions and hindering the cooling system from functioning efficiently. It’s a good idea also to keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t touch the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts or branches can fall into the system and cause clogging. Keep your condenser in good condition to prolong the life of your AC by a minimum of 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the thing that circulates warm air inside your home. It is made of a set of tubing which is shaped like a U and then formed into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown across these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat flows from hotter to colder objects. When the evaporator operates properly, the energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cool air. This causes the refrigerant gas to vaporize or boil. During this process, the heat that is not measured with thermometers, also known as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.

The coils are made with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of the coils. Some evaporators are made of copper while others make use of aluminum, with each material providing its own set advantages.

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

To avoid these problems, it is crucial to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the working environment when selecting an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to withstand harsh environments, while others can be used in moderate ones. In the end, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator comes with a solid guarantee that will safeguard your investment.

Fan

The blower fan of your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air in your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bills. If your system’s fan keeps running, we can replace it with a new ECM blower motor that is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the duration of the unit.

If your fan is only running on high, the short circuit or malfunctioning relay could be preventing your thermostat settings from reaching your fan.

Filter

Air passes through the filter before being warmed or cooled and circulated around the house. It removes impurities, and prevents dust and pet dander from getting into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It also shields family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and may cause it overheat or to fail.

The homeowner should change their filters on a regular basis – every 30 or 90 days, based on the directions on the label. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional if they are unsure about the kind of filter they require. A professional can help homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home in light of factors like temperature, how often they use their system, and even personal factors, such as whether there are allergy sufferers in the home.

The filter is located in the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct is typically located on the ceiling, wall or floor, or in the utility closet. It often has a large metal grille that covers the filters. The filter should be accessible to both 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 are able to capture different sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter 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 other hand, can catch a wide range of contaminants without restricting normal airflow.