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 electric HVAC unit runs on propane or oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.
Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling or wall of every room. It is recommended to keep them open as much as you can to ensure proper air flow throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an essential part of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching on and off the fan and compressor to attain a pre-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 older models are available. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermostat. The device contains metals that alter resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller converts the resistance change into temperature. There are a variety of thermostats including smart and programable thermostats. These allow you to monitor and alter your home’s energy consumption.
Thermostats can be placed on the walls of your home’s interior. They are usually in the rooms that are most frequently used. The location of a thermostat in your home could affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for example it could display an upper temperature than the actual room temperature. This can cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t operating correctly, you can try reset it, but if this does not solve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for assistance.
If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, check out the different options available to you and consider a thermostat that is programmable to help reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your preferences, rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system each day. It is also advisable to determine if there’s a more efficient model, such as one that is ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.
Condenser
If your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it ought to, one of the most frequent causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser is made up of numerous parts that need to be functioning in harmony in order for the unit to function. If any of these components become damaged or wear out, the entire system could be affected. Condenser issues can include a damaged control board for the condenser, or leaks of refrigerant.
The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled returns to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process is repeated to achieve the temperature you want for your home or office.
The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser running correctly is to ensure that the area around it remains free of debris. Leaves, twigs, grass and other debris may be sucked into the unit by the condenser fan. This can result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is also a good idea to keep the bushes and trees in good shape so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This will decrease the chances that berries, nuts or branches will fall into the system and clog it. The condenser that is free of debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the life of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is a 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. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid turns into an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool the air.
The thermodynamics law states that heat flows from colder to hot objects. When the evaporator is operating correctly, this 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 using thermometers) is transferred from air to refrigerant.
These coils have been designed with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of the coils. Both aluminum and copper are used to build some evaporators, each having their own advantages.
An evaporator that is afflicted with an accumulation of organic growth is susceptible to problems. This could be the result of mold or mildew. If this happens, the bacteria may produce a sour smell that can spread throughout the home. This could cause discomfort.
To avoid these issues, it’s essential to select an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Some are built to withstand harsh conditions while others can be used in moderate conditions. You will also want to ensure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty which will protect you and your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate the cold or hot air throughout your home until the temperature you have set is attained. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bills. We can replace the motor of the fan when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors. It pays for itself over the life of the unit.
If your fan is only running on high, a short circuit or a broken relay could be preventing your thermostat settings from reaching the fan.
Filter
Air flows through the filter before it is warmed or cooled and circulated around the home. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system works efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and ultimately break down.
homeowners should change their filters on a regular basis at least every 30 days or 90 days, depending on the label instructions. If a homeowner isn’t sure which kind of filter they need they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can help them select the right filter for their home based on climate and how often they use their system, and personal factors like the presence of smokers or allergies in the house.
The filter is usually found in the return air duct or, in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is usually located on the ceiling, wall or floor of the storage closets. It typically is covered by a large metal grille that covers the filters. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
Filters are assessed based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how efficient they are at collecting different sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able take on larger contaminants like pet dander or dust mites but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture many kinds of contaminants while not affecting the normal flow of air.