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.

Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. They should be kept open if possible to ensure that air circulation is maintained throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential part of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by turning on and off the compressor and fan to achieve a specific temperature, and also turns on the air exchanger to bring fresh air from outside into your home, while exchanging stale indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However older models are available. Digital thermostats make use of an instrument called a thermistor, which has metals that change electrical resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is connected an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into an indication of temperature. There are many types of thermostats that include smart and programmed thermostats. They let you control and alter your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in rooms that are most often used. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for example could show more heat than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting your device. If this doesn’t work, call an AC technician.

If you’re thinking of replacing your thermostat, check out the various options available and think about the possibility of a programmable thermostat to reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system every day. It’s also worth a look to see if you can find a better model that can give you more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working in the way it should. The condenser is comprised of a number of parts that have to work together to function. The entire system could be affected if any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most frequent issues in the condenser are a malfunctioning control board or refrigerant leaks.

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. This cooled low-pressure liquid then returns to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process is repeated until it reaches the desired temperature for your home or office.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser running effectively is to ensure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers, grass and other debris could be sucked into the unit by the condenser’s fan and result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s a good idea also to keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts or branches will fall into the system and cause clogging. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that circulates warm air into your home. It is made of a series u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown through these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat moves from hotter to colder objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the heat energy is transferred from warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process, the latent heat (which is not measurable with thermometers) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Both aluminum and copper are utilized to construct Evaporators, each with distinct advantages.

One of the most common problems with evaporators is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be a result of mold or mildew. If this occurs, the bacterium may produce a sour smell that will spread throughout the home. This could cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it’s essential to select an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When choosing an evaporator, it is important to also think about the working environment. Certain evaporators are designed to endure harsh environments, whereas others can be used in moderate environments. Lastly, you will want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid warranty to ensure your investment.

Fan

The fan in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air through your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running constant for maximum efficiency and to save money on electricity costs. We can replace the motor of the fan if it is constantly running. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more energy efficient than the old PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

If your fan only operates on high, a short circuit or a broken relay could be preventing your thermostat from adjusting to the fan.

Filter

Air flows through the filter before being heated or cooled before being circulated throughout the home. It removes impurities and prevents dust and pet dander getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It also protects family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system works efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or to fail.

The homeowner should change their filters regularly each 30 days or 90 days, based on the directions on the label. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional in case they are not sure of the type of filter they need. A professional can assist them in choosing the right filter for their home based on the climate and the amount of time they use their system, as well as personal factors like the presence of allergy sufferers or smokers within the home.

The filter is typically located at the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is typically situated on the wall, ceiling, floor or utility closet. It usually is covered by a large metal grille that protects the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to both homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.

Filters are assessed based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how effective they are at collecting different sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able filter larger particles such as dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters on the contrary, are able to capture various contaminants without limiting airflow.