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 is powered by propane, oil or natural gas to generate heat for the furnace while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric system.

Every room has vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling, walls or floors. They should be kept open as much as you can to ensure the proper circulation of air throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is among the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning on and shutting off the compressor and fan until they 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, although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermostat. This device has metals which change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is connected an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into a temperature reading. Thermostats are available in a variety of options including programmable and intelligent thermostats that let you track your home’s energy usage and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are located on the interior walls of your home, typically in rooms that are used most often. The location of a thermostat in your home may affect its accuracy. For example one thermostat placed in direct sunlight could appear hotter than the actual room temperature which can cause your system to run excessively or not run at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, you can try resetting it but if that doesn’t fix the problem it is recommended to contact an AC technician for help.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can 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 adjust your HVAC system on a regular basis. You should also check to determine if there’s an energy-efficient model, for instance one that is ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working in the way it should. The condenser consists of a number of parts that have to cooperate to function. The entire system can be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. Condenser problems include a broken condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pushed into the condenser, where the fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to a liquid form. The low-pressure liquid is chilled and then moved back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated to achieve the temperature you want for your home or office.

To ensure that your condenser is operating properly, you should ensure that the area around it is clear of debris. The condenser’s fan can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, causing obstructions and hindering the cooling system from working efficiently. It is important to keep bushes and trees cut back to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This will reduce the possibility that branches, berries, or nuts could fall and clog the system. Clean your condenser to extend the life of your AC system by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the component that circulates warm air into your home. It is comprised of a string of tubing that is u-shaped, and placed into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown through these coils. This draws heat from the 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 law of thermodynamics states that heat travels from colder to warmer objects. If the evaporator is operating correctly, this heat energy moves from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. The refrigerant gas causes to boil or evaporate. During this process, the heat that is not measured by thermometers, referred to as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils have been created with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of the coils. Aluminum and copper are both used to make evaporators, each having distinct advantages.

One of the most frequent problems with evaporators is the accumulation of organic growth. This could be the result of mold or mildew. If this happens, the bacterium will produce a smell that spreads throughout the home. This may cause discomfort.

It is essential to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some are designed to withstand harsh conditions, while others are suited to moderate conditions. You should also make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate the cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat setting you set is reached. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and reduce your electric bills. 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 pays for itself in savings 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 from adjusting to the fan.

Filter

The air passes through the filter before it is warmed or cooled, and then circulated around the house. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating internal components. It also protects family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens that are 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 breakdown.

homeowners should change their filters on a regular basis each 30 days or 90 days, depending on the label instructions. If a homeowner isn’t certain which kind of filter they should use and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in selecting the most appropriate filter for their home based on the climate and how often they use their system, and other personal factors like the presence of smokers or allergies within the home.

The filter is situated in the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct can be located on the floor, wall or ceiling, or in a utility closet, and it typically has a large metal grate that is covered by the filter. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated 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 rating is able to remove larger particles such as pet dander and dust mites, but it’s not very effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters on the contrary, can capture a wide range of contaminants without limiting normal airflow.