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 uses propane or oil as well as natural gas to heat the furnace.

Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling or on the floor of every room. It is recommended to keep them open if possible to ensure proper air flow throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential component of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning on and shutting off the fan and compressor to achieve a set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside into your home and vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However older models are available. Digital thermostats use a device called a thermistor, which has metals that change electrical resistance as temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is connected to a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into a temperature reading. There are many types of thermostats that include smart and programmed thermostats. They allow you to monitor and adjust your home’s power 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 position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. For instance one thermostat placed in direct sunlight could appear hotter than the actual room temperature and cause your system to run too much or not even run at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try setting it again but if that doesn’t fix the problem it is recommended to contact an AC technician for assistance.

If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, check out the different options available for you, and consider the possibility of a programmable thermostat to reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to suit your needs instead of having you manually manipulate your HVAC system on a regular basis. It’s also worth a look to determine if you can locate a better model that can give you more energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it is supposed to one of the most frequent causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser is made up of many different components that must be working in sync in order for the unit to function. The entire system may be affected if any of these components are damaged or worn out. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning 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 liquid form. This cooled low-pressure liquid then is redirected back to the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated until the desired temperature for your business or home is reached.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser operating effectively is to ensure that the area around it stays clear of debris. The condenser’s fan could draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, creating obstructions and preventing the cooling system from functioning properly. It is a good idea to keep the trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t touch the unit. This will decrease the chances that berries, nuts, or branches will enter the system and cause clogging. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add two or three years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator moves warm air in your home. It is constructed of a series of tubes that are arranged into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool your indoor air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat moves from hotter to colder objects. If the evaporator operates correctly, the energy moves from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant to evaporate or boil. During this process, the heat that cannot be measured using thermometers, referred to as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

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

An evaporator that has a buildup of organic growth can be prone to issues. This is usually caused by mildew or mold. If this is the case, the sour odors produced by the bacteria will be circulated throughout the home and can cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it is important to choose 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 work well in moderate environments. In the end, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator has a solid guarantee that will ensure your investment.

Fan

The fan in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air throughout your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running continuous to maximize efficiency and to save money on electricity costs. We can replace the fan motor when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is 70% more energy efficient than the previous PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan is only running on high, an unbalanced circuit or a broken relay could be keeping your thermostat from adjusting to the fan.

Filter

Air flows through the filter, before being warmed or cooled and circulated around the home. It removes impurities and also stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens that float in the air. It also ensures that the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and eventually break down.

The homeowner should change their filters regularly at least every 30 or 90 days, depending on the label instructions. If a homeowner isn’t certain what type of filter they require they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can assist homeowners select the best filter for their home based on factors like climate, how often they use their system, and even personal factors such as whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers living in the home.

The filter is located in the return air duct, or in some cases, the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct is normally placed on the wall, ceiling, floor or utility closet. It often is covered by a large metal grille that covers the filters. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are assessed based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how efficient they are at taking in different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filter can capture a variety of contaminants while not affecting the flow of air.