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 unit.
Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling, walls or floors. It is recommended to keep them open if possible to ensure that air circulation is maintained throughout your home.
Thermostat
A thermostat is among the most important parts of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by switching on and off the fan and compressor to reach a preset temperature. It also turns on the exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside into your home and vent stale air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermosistor. The device contains metals which change resistance as temperatures change. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller converts the resistance change into temperature. There are many types of thermostats, including smart and programable thermostats. They let you monitor and adjust your home’s energy consumption.
Thermostats are located on the walls of your home, typically in rooms where they are most frequently used. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for example could show a higher temperature than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem, call an AC technician.
Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You will save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule rather than requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system each day. You should also determine if there’s a more efficient model, like one that’s ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.
Condenser
Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t functioning in the way it should. The condenser unit is made up of many different parts that need to work in harmony for the unit to function. If any of these parts are damaged or worn 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 helps the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform to a liquid. This low-pressure liquid is then removed and cooled before being moved back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process is repeated until the desired temperature for your home or business is reached.
To ensure that your condenser runs properly, you should ensure that the area surrounding it is clean of any debris. The condenser’s fan could pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, creating clogs and hindering the cooling system from operating effectively. It is a good idea to keep trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will help to minimize the possibility that branches, berries, or nuts will fall on the system and cause a blockage. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the life of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the component that circulates warm air into your home. It is comprised of a series 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 atmosphere to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool the air.
The thermodynamic law states that heat is transferred from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator operates properly, the heat energy moves from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant gas to vaporize or boil. During this process the latent heat (which cannot be measured using thermometers) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.
These coils are designed with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of the coils. Both aluminum and copper are utilized to construct evaporators, each with distinct advantages.
One of the most frequent problems with an evaporator is the accumulation of organic growth. This can be caused by mildew or mold. If this is the case, the foul smells caused by the bacteria can be absorbed by the home and can cause discomfort.
It is important to select an evaporator that can be easily maintained and cleaned. When choosing an evaporator, it is important to also take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Certain evaporators are designed to stand up to harsh conditions, while others work well in moderate ones. Also, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator has a solid warranty that will ensure your investment.
Fan
The blower fan of your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air in your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be turned on auto or continuous. We recommend keeping the fan running at all times for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electricity costs. We can replace the fan motor when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is up to 70 percent more efficient than the previous PSC motors. It will pay for itself over the life of the unit.
If your fan only runs on high, a short circuit or a malfunctioning relay could be preventing your thermostat settings from reaching the fan.
Filter
The air passes through the filter before being warmed or cooled and circulated around the home. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating internal components. It shields the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and break down.
homeowners should change their filters regularly – every 30 days or 90 days, depending on the directions on the label. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure about the kind of filter they require. A professional can assist homeowners choose the right filter for their home, depending on factors such as temperature, how often they use their system, and even personal factors for instance, whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers in the house.
The filter is situated in the return air duct or in certain cases, the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct may be located on the floor, wall, ceiling, or in the utility closet. It often contains a large metal grate that is covered by the filter. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and service technicians to aid in cleaning and replacement.
Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they capture 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 filter can capture a variety of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect the flow of air.
