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 as well as natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.

Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling, wall or floor of every room. If you can 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 of your home by switching on and off the compressor and fan until they achieve a set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats make use of the thermistor device made of metals that alter electrical resistance with changes in temperature. The thermistor, which is connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats come in a range of models, including programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and make adjustments.

Thermostats are installed on the interior walls of your home, usually in rooms where they are used most often. The location of a thermostat inside your home may affect its accuracy. For example one thermostat placed in direct sunlight could read hotter than the actual temperature of the room and cause your system to run too much or not run at all. If your thermostat isn’t operating correctly, you can try resetting it but if that doesn’t fix the problem it is recommended to contact an AC technician for help.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You’ll reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system every day. You should also determine if there’s an efficient model, like one that’s 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 is your condenser. The condenser is comprised of a number of parts that have to be in sync to make the unit function. If any of these parts are damaged or worn out, the entire system may be affected. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pushed into the condenser, where fans blow cool air from outside over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to a liquid form. This liquid at low pressure is removed and cooled before being moved back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process is repeated until it reaches the desired temperature for your office or home.

To keep your condenser running correctly, you must ensure that the area surrounding it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers grass, and other debris can be sucked into the unit by the condenser fan and create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is also a good idea to keep trees and bushes in good shape to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This will reduce the possibility that branches, berries, or nuts could fall and block the system. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that circulates warm air into your home. It is constructed of a series of u-shaped tubes that are set into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat flows from colder to hot objects. When the evaporator operates correctly, the energy of heat is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the warm air. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate. In this process, heat that cannot be 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. Some evaporators are built using copper while others use aluminum, with each having its own set of advantages.

A evaporator with an accumulation of organic growth is prone to problems. This can be a result of mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacteria will produce a smell that can spread throughout the home. This could cause discomfort.

It is essential to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some are built to withstand harsh conditions while others can work well in moderate environments. Lastly, you will be sure that your evaporator is covered by a solid guarantee that will safeguard your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate cool or hot air through your home until the temperature you set is attained. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bills. We could replace the fan motor when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is up to 70% more energy efficient than the older PSC motors. It pays for itself over the life of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air around the house before it is heated or cooled. It removes impurities, and prevents dust and pet dander from entering into the system and contaminating internal components. It safeguards the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or even breakdown.

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 if they are unsure of the type of filter they need. A professional can help homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home, depending on factors such as the climate, the frequency they use their system and even personal factors, like 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, floor or storage closets. It typically is covered by a large metal grille that protects the filters. The filter should be accessible to homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which reveals how efficient they are at capturing various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to remove larger particles such as dust mites and pet dander, but it’s not very effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filter can capture various contaminants without affecting the flow of air.