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, oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.

Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. If possible keep them open to ensure that air is flowing properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial part of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching off and on the compressor and fan to reach a set temperature, and it also activates the air exchanger to help bring fresh air from outside into your home while venting stale, indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats utilize a device called a thermistor which is made up of metals that change electrical resistance with temperature changes. The thermistor, which is connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats come in a variety of styles, including programmable and smart thermostats that allow you to track your home’s energy usage and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior. They are usually in the rooms most often used. The location of a thermostat in your home could 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 run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t help then contact an AC technician.

If you’re thinking of replacing your thermostat, check out the different options available and think about a programmable model to reduce your energy costs. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule, rather than having you manually manipulate your HVAC system on a regular basis. It is also worth checking to determine if you can locate an alternative that will offer you even more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser consists of several components that cooperate to ensure that the unit functions. If any of these parts get damaged or worn out, then the entire system can be impacted. Condenser problems include a broken condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pumped into the condenser where fans blow cool air from outside over the coils. This helps the refrigerant get cool and transform into a liquid state. The liquid that is cooled moves back into the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated to achieve the desired temperature for your home or office.

To ensure that your condenser runs properly, you should ensure that the area surrounding it is clear of debris. Leaves, twigs grass and other debris may be carried into the unit by the condenser fan and cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It is important to keep bushes and trees in good shape to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This will reduce the risk that branches, berries or even nuts fall and clog the system. The condenser that is free of debris can add two or three years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator circulates warm air inside your home. It is comprised of a series of tubing that is u-shaped, and set into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This draws heat from the indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes a gas that circulates through the cooling system to cool your air.

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

These coils are constructed with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. They are referred to as fins and expand the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Aluminum and copper are both used to build some Evaporators, each with their own advantages.

One of the most frequent issues with an evaporator is the accumulation of organic growth. This can be the result of mold or mildew. If this is the case, the sour smells caused by the bacteria will be spread throughout the house and could cause discomfort.

To avoid these problems, it is crucial to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the working environment when selecting an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to endure harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate environments. Lastly, you will want to make sure your evaporator is covered by a solid warranty to ensure your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate the cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat you have set is reached. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bill. If your system’s fan keeps running, we can replace it with a new ECM blower motor that is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.

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

Filter

The air passes through the filter before it is warmed or cooled, and then circulated around the house. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating the internal components. It shields the family members from illnesses caused by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and eventually break down.

Homeowners should replace their filters regularly. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can assist homeowners select the best filter for their home, depending on factors such as climate, how often they use their system and even personal factors like whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers in the home.

The filter is usually found 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 or floor, or in the utility closet. It usually has a large grille made of metal that protects the filters. 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 reveals how effective they are in capturing various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able to remove larger particles such as pet dander and dust mites however it’s not as effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters can snag many kinds of contaminants while not affecting the flow of air.