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

Every room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling, walls or floors. It is recommended to keep them open to allow the proper circulation of air throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an important part of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by switching off and on the compressor and fan until they reach a set temperature, and it also switches on the air exchanger to help bring fresh air from outside into your home, while venting old, indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital although older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermistor. This device has metals which change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into a temperature. Thermostats come in a variety of styles, including programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and make adjustments.

Thermostats are installed on the walls of your home, typically in rooms that are used the most. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for instance it could display more heat than the actual room temperature. This can cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat doesn’t work properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem then contact an AC technician.

You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing 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 you manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also advisable to determine if there’s an efficient model, for instance one that is ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t functioning as well as it should. The condenser is made up of many different components that must work in harmony for the unit to work. The entire system can be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. Condenser problems include a broken 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 cool down and convert back into a liquid state. The liquid that is cooled moves back into the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated until it reaches the temperature you want for your home or office.

To ensure that your condenser is operating efficiently, make sure that the area surrounding it is clean of any debris. Leaves, twigs, 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 is recommended to keep bushes and trees trimmed so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts or branches fall into the system and cause clogging. Keep your condenser clean to extend the life of your AC by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is used to move warm air around your home. It is comprised of a set of tubing that is u-shaped and placed into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown through these coils. This transfer heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat is transferred from colder to hot objects. If the evaporator is operating correctly, the energy passes from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process the latent heat (which is not measurable with thermometers) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

These coils have been created with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. Fins are used to increase the surface area of the coils. Copper and aluminum are both utilized to construct Evaporators, each with its own advantages.

A evaporator with an accumulation of organic growth can be prone to issues. This could be caused by mold or mildew. If this occurs, the bacterium may produce a sour smell that spreads throughout the home. This may cause discomfort.

It is essential to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Some evaporators can stand up to harsh conditions, while others work well in moderate ones. You will also want to ensure that your evaporator is covered by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.

Fan

The fan in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air through your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can be on auto or continuous. We recommend keeping the fan running constant for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electricity bills. 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 lifetime of the unit.

If your fan only operates on high, an unbalanced circuit or a broken relay could be keeping your thermostat settings from reaching your fan.

Filter

Air flows through the filter, before being heated or cooled before being circulated throughout the home. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating internal components. It also protects family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or break down.

Homeowners should change their filters regularly. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t certain what kind of filter they should use, they should consult an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in selecting the right filter for their home based on climate and the amount of time they use their system, as well as personal factors such as the presence of allergies or smokers within the home.

The filter is usually located at the return air duct or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is typically placed on the ceiling, wall or floor, or in the storage closets. It typically has a large grille made of metal that protects the filters. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which reveals how well they capture different sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to remove larger particles such as dust mites and pet dander however it’s not as effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters on the contrary, are able to capture many different contaminants without limiting normal airflow.