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 generate heat for the furnace while electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric system.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling, wall or floor of each room. If you can you can keep them open to ensure that air circulation is properly distributed throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching off and on the compressor and fan until they achieve a specific temperature, and also activates the air exchanger to draw fresh air from outside into your home while venting stale, indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats utilize an instrument called a thermistor which is made up of metals that alter electrical resistance with temperature changes. The thermistor is connected an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into the temperature reading. There are many types of thermostats that include smart and programmable thermostats. They allow you to control and adjust your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms that are most often used. The location of a thermostat in your home could affect its accuracy. For instance one thermostat placed in direct sunlight might be more hot than the actual temperature of the room and cause your system to run too much or not operate at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting your device. If this doesn’t work then contact an AC technician.

You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You can save money on energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust your home’s temperature according to your schedule instead of having to manually adjust your HVAC system on a regular basis. It’s also worth a look to see if you can find an alternative that will give you more energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t working as efficiently as it is supposed to, one of the most frequent causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser unit is comprised of a variety of parts that all need to be functioning in harmony for the unit to work. The entire system can be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. Condenser issues can include a damaged control board for the condenser, or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pushed into the condenser where fans blow cool air from outside over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform to a liquid. This liquid at low pressure is chilled and then returned to the evaporator to continue cooling. The process continues until the desired temperature in your business or home is reached.

To ensure that your condenser runs properly, you should ensure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs grass and other debris may be taken into the unit by the condenser’s fan and create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s a good idea also to keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the possibility that berries, branches, 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 circulates warm air inside your home. It is made of a series of tubing which is u-shaped, and placed into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. 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 in order to cool the indoor air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat moves from hotter to colder objects. When the evaporator functions properly, the energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cool air. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process the latent heat (which cannot be measured with thermometers) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils have been designed with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. Fins are used to increase the surface area of the coils. Some evaporators are built using copper while others use aluminum, each offering its own set of advantages.

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

It is essential to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is essential to think about the working environment. Some are built to withstand harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate conditions. It is also important to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is covered by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate the cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat you have set is attained. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running constant for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electricity costs. We could replace the fan motor in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is up to 70 percent more efficient than the older PSC motors. It is able to pay for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate the air throughout the house before it is heated or cool. It removes impurities, and stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It also protects family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system works efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and could cause it overheat or breakdown.

Homeowners should replace their filters regularly each 30 or 90 days, depending on the directions on the label. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure of the type of filter they require. A professional can assist homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home, based on factors like climate, how often they use their system, and even personal factors such as whether there are allergy sufferers in the home.

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

Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to catch larger contaminants like pet dander and dust mites however it’s not as efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on other hand, can catch various contaminants without limiting normal airflow.