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 uses propane or natural gas, or oil to create heat for the furnace, while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric unit.
Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling or wall of every room. If possible you can keep them open to ensure air is flowing properly throughout your home.
Thermostat
A thermostat is among the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by turning on and off the fan and compressor until they reach a set temperature, and also turns on the air exchanger to help pull fresh, outside air into your home while venting stale, indoor air out through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital, however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermostat. The device is made of metals that change resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats are available in variety of styles including programmable and intelligent thermostats that allow you to monitor your home’s energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.
Thermostats are placed on the walls of your home, usually in rooms that are most frequently used. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for example could show more heat than the actual temperature of the room. This can cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try resetting it however if this does not solve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for assistance.
You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can save money on energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to meet your schedule, rather than having you manually adjust your HVAC system on a daily basis. You should also see if there is a more efficient model, like one that is ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.
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 comprised of several components that work together to function. The entire system can be affected if any of these components are damaged or worn out. Condenser issues can include a damaged control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.
The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to a liquid form. This low-pressure liquid is then chilled and then returned to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process continues until the desired temperature for your home or business is reached.
To ensure that your condenser runs correctly, you must ensure that the area around it is free of debris. The condenser’s fans can draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, creating clogs and hindering the cooling system from working effectively. It’s recommended to keep the bushes and trees in good shape so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This will decrease the chances that berries, nuts, or branches enter the system and cause clogging. Keep your condenser clean to extend the life of your AC by a couple of years.
Evaporator
The evaporator moves warm air in your home. It is made up of a set of tubing that is u-shaped, and formed into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown through these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool your indoor air.
The thermodynamic law states that heat travels from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator functions properly, the energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cold air. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into a gas. During this process the latent heat (which cannot be measured with thermometers) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.
These coils have been created with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Both aluminum and copper are used to build some Evaporators, each with its own advantages.
An evaporator that has a buildup of organic growth is susceptible to issues. This is usually caused by mold or mildew. If this is the case, the sour smells that the bacteria produce can be absorbed by the home and can cause discomfort.
To avoid these problems, it is important to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. When choosing an evaporator, it is important to also take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Some are designed to withstand harsh conditions, while others can work well in moderate environments. It is also important to make sure that your evaporator is covered by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.
Fan
The blower fan of your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air throughout your home until you get to the temperature you want. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running continuous to maximize efficiency and to cut down on electric bills. We can replace the motor of the fan when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is up to 70% more energy efficient than the older PSC motors. It will pay for itself over the lifetime of the unit.
If your fan is only operating at the highest setting, a broken relay switch or short circuit may be blocking the settings you set on the thermostat from reaching your fan.
Filter
The filter is used to circulate the air in the home before it is heated or cool. It removes impurities, and stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It safeguards the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or break down.
homeowners should change their filters frequently at least every 30 days or 90 days, depending on the label instructions. If a homeowner isn’t sure what kind of filter they need, they should consult an HVAC professional. A professional can help 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 typically located at the return air duct or, in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct can be found on the floor, wall, ceiling, or utility closet, and it often contains a large metal grate that covers the filter. The filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they are able to capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters can snag many kinds of contaminants while not affecting the normal flow of air.