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. Its blower makes use of propane or natural gas to create heat for the furnace while electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric unit.
Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling or wall of each room. If possible you can keep them open to ensure that air is flowing properly throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an essential element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning on and shutting off the compressor and fan until they achieve a set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermosistor. The device contains metals which change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is connected a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into a temperature reading. Thermostats are available in variety of styles, including programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and make adjustments.
Thermostats are located on the interior walls of your home, typically in rooms where they are used most often. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. For example, a thermostat located in direct sunlight might be more hot than the actual temperature of the room and cause your system to run excessively or not run at all. If your thermostat doesn’t work correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem then contact an AC technician.
If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the various options available for you, and consider a thermostat that is programmable to help reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to suit your needs instead of having you manually manipulate your HVAC system on a regular basis. You should also check to see if there is a more efficient model, such as one that is ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.
Condenser
Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t functioning as well as it should. The condenser is made up of a variety of parts that need to work in harmony for the unit to work. If any of these components get damaged or worn out, then the entire system may be affected. The most common issues found in the condenser are damaged control board or refrigerant leaks.
The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser, where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant reduce its temperature and then transform to a liquid. This low-pressure liquid is then chilled and then moved back into the evaporator to continue cooling. The process is repeated to achieve the temperature you want for your office or home.
The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser operating properly is to make sure that the area around it stays free of debris. The condenser’s fan can draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, causing obstructions and hindering the cooling system from operating effectively. It’s also a good idea to keep trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the chance that nuts, berries or branches fall into the system and clog it. The condenser that is free of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the lifespan of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the part that allows warm air to enter your home. It is comprised of a series of tubing that is shaped like a U and then placed into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This transfers heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.
The thermodynamic law states that heat moves from colder to warmer objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the heat energy is transferred from warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into a gas. During this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured with a thermometer) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.
These coils have been created with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. These are known as fins, and expand the surface area to help in the transfer of heat. Both aluminum and copper are used to build some Evaporators, each with its own advantages.
An evaporator that is afflicted with an accumulation of organic growth is susceptible to problems. This could be caused by mildew or even mold. If this happens, the bacterium may produce a sour smell that spreads throughout the home. This could cause discomfort.
It is essential to choose an evaporator that is easily maintained and cleaned. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Some are designed to withstand harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate environments. It is also important to make sure that your evaporator is covered by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.
Fan
The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air throughout your home until you get to the temperature you want. The fan can be turned on auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on continuous to maximize efficiency and to save money on electric bills. 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 operating at the high setting, a broken relay switch or short circuit may be hindering the settings you input on the thermostat from reaching the fan.
Filter
The filter is used to circulate air in the home before it is heated or cooling. It removes impurities, and also stops dust and pet dander getting into the system, causing contamination to 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 is functioning properly. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and eventually break down.
homeowners should change their filters on a regular basis. The label will tell them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t sure what kind of filter they should use and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners select the best filter for their home depending on factors such as temperature, how often they use their system, and even personal preferences, like whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers in the house.
The filter is 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 wall, floor, ceiling, or storage closets, and it typically has a large metal grate that covers the filter. The filter should be easily accessible to both technicians and homeowners for easy cleaning and replacement.
Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which reveals how well they capture various sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able capture larger contaminants such as dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters on the contrary, are able to capture various contaminants without restricting normal airflow.