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 uses propane or natural gas, or oil to create heat for the furnace, while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric system.

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

Thermostat

A thermostat is among the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning off and on the compressor and fan to reach a preset temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.

Most thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats make use of the thermistor device, which has metals that change electrical resistance when changes in temperature. The thermistor is connected a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into the temperature reading. There are various kinds of thermostats that include smart and programmed thermostats. They let you control and alter your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are installed on the walls of your home, usually in rooms where they are used the most. The place of a thermostat within your home may affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for example it could display an upper temperature than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting your device. If this doesn’t work contact an AC technician.

Consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You can reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to 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 an alternative that will provide you with even greater savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t working as efficiently as it ought to, one of the most frequent causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser unit is comprised of many different parts that all need to be working in sync in order for the unit to function. If any of these parts are damaged or worn out, then the entire system can be impacted. Condenser issues can include a damaged condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant through the condenser which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to a liquid form. This liquid at low pressure is removed and cooled before being transferred back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until the temperature you want in your home or business is reached.

To ensure that your condenser runs correctly, you must ensure that the area surrounding it is clean of any debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers grass, and other debris can be taken into the unit by the condenser’s fan and result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s a good idea also to keep your trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t touch the unit. This reduces the likelihood that nuts, berries or branches will enter the system and block it. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add two or three years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the component that allows warm air to enter your home. It is made up of a set of tubing that is u-shaped and formed into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown through these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.

The thermodynamic law states that heat moves from warmer to colder objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the energy is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the warm air. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process, the heat that is not measured with a thermometer, known as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. They are referred to as fins, and they increase the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Both aluminum and copper are used to build some Evaporators, each with its own advantages.

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

It is crucial to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is essential to consider the working environment. Some are built to withstand harsh environments, whereas others can work well in moderate conditions. In the end, you’ll be sure that your evaporator is covered by a solid warranty to protect your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate cold or hot air throughout your home until the temperature you have set is attained. The fan can be set to automatic or constant. We suggest keeping the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bill. We can replace the fan motor in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is up to 70 percent more energy efficient than the previous PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan is only operating at the high setting, a damaged 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 the air throughout the house before it is heated or cool. It removes impurities and also stops 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 functioning properly. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and eventually break down.

homeowners should replace 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 they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can assist homeowners select the best filter for their home depending on factors such as temperature, how often they use their system, and even personal factors like whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers in the house.

The filter is situated in the return air duct, or in some cases the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct may be located on the wall, floor or ceiling, or even in the in the utility closet. It typically has a large metal grate that is covered by the filter. The filter should be easily accessible to both homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.

Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to catch larger contaminants like pet dander and dust mites, but it’s not very efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture a variety of contaminants while not affecting the flow of air.