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 in an all-electric HVAC unit uses propane or oil as well as natural gas to heat the furnace.
Every room has vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling, walls or floors. If you can, keep them open to ensure air is flowing properly throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is a crucial part of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning on and shutting off the compressor and fan to 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 a thermistor. The device is made of metals that change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is linked to a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into a temperature reading. Thermostats are available in variety of styles that include programmable and smart thermostats that let you track your home’s energy usage and make adjustments.
Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in rooms that are most frequently used. The place of a thermostat within your home could affect its accuracy. For example one thermostat placed in direct sunlight may read hotter than the actual room temperature which can cause your system to run too much or not even run at all. If your thermostat doesn’t work properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work contact an AC technician.
If you’re thinking of replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the various options available, and consider the possibility of a programmable thermostat to save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule, rather than having you manually alter your HVAC system on a regular basis. It is also advisable to find out if there’s an energy-efficient model, for instance one that’s ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.
Condenser
If your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it is supposed to one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser unit is made up of many different parts that need to be working in sync in order for the unit to function. If any of these components get damaged or worn out, the entire system could be affected. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.
The compressor moves the refrigerant through the condenser where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to get cool and transform into a liquid state. This cooled low-pressure liquid then moves back into the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated until the temperature you want in your home or business is reached.
To ensure that your condenser runs efficiently, make sure that the area surrounding it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs grass and other debris could be sucked into the unit by the condenser fan. This can cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It is a good idea to keep your trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, branches, or nuts could fall and clog the system. Keep your condenser clean to extend the life of your AC system by 1-2 years.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the part that moves warm air into your home. It is made of a set of tubing that is shaped like a U and then set into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This is a way of transferring heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.
The law of thermodynamics states that heat moves from warmer to colder objects. If the evaporator is operating correctly, this heat energy moves from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into gas. During this process, the heat that cannot be measured with a thermometer, known as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.
These coils are designed with special structures that enhance the transfer of heat. These are known as fins, and increase the surface area to help in the transfer of heat. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper, while others are made of aluminum, with each material offering its own set of advantages.
One of the most frequent problems with evaporators is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be caused by mildew or mold. If this is the case, the foul smells caused by the bacteria will be spread throughout the house and could cause discomfort.
It is important to select an evaporator that is 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 are suited to moderate ones. Lastly, you will want to make sure your evaporator is covered by a solid guarantee that will safeguard your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate the cool or hot air through your home until the temperature you have set is reached. The fan can be turned on auto or continuous. We suggest keeping the fan on at all times for maximum efficiency and to save money on electricity costs. If your system’s fan keeps running We can replace it with a brand new ECM blower motor that is up to 70 percent more efficient than older PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.
If your fan is only running on high, the short circuit or broken relay could be keeping your thermostat from adjusting to the fan.
Filter
The filter is used to circulate the air in the home before it is heated or cooling. It removes impurities, and stops dust and pet dander from entering into the system and contaminating internal components. It protects the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and break down.
Homeowners need to change their filters on a regular basis. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional if they are unsure about the kind of filter they require. A professional can assist them in selecting the best filter for their home based on the climate, how much they run their system, as well as personal factors such as the presence of allergies or smokers within the home.
The filter is usually found in the return air duct, or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is typically located on the wall, ceiling or floor, or in the storage closets. It usually has 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 shows how effective they are in collecting different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV will be able to take on larger contaminants like pet dander or dust mites but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filter can capture many kinds of contaminants without affecting the normal flow of air.