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 runs on propane or oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.

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

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential component of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by switching off and on the fan and compressor until they achieve a specific temperature, and it also activates the air exchanger to help draw fresh air from outside into your home while venting stale, indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermistor. The device is made of metals that change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are a variety of thermostats including smart and programmed thermostats. They let you control and adjust your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are located on the interior walls of your home, typically in rooms where they are most frequently used. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for instance, may show a higher temperature than the actual room temperature. This can cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work contact an AC technician.

If you’re thinking of replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the various options available, and consider a thermostat that is programmable to help reduce your energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule, rather than having you manually adjust your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also advisable to see if there is an efficient model, like one that’s ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t functioning as efficiently as it is supposed to one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser is made up of a variety of components that must be working in sync for the unit to work. The entire system could be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning 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 allows the refrigerant gas to cool and return to a liquid form. This liquid at low pressure is removed and cooled before being transferred back into the evaporator to continue cooling. The process is repeated until it reaches the temperature you desire for your home or office.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser operating effectively is to ensure that the area around it stays free of debris. Leaves, twigs, grass, and other debris can be taken into the unit by the condenser’s fan and result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is important to keep trees and bushes in good shape so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This will decrease the chances that nuts, berries or branches can get into the system and cause clogging. Keep your condenser clean to extend the lifespan of your AC by a couple of years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is used to move warm air around your home. It is constructed of a series of tubes, which are then set into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This transfer heat from the indoor environment to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states heat travels from colder to warmer objects. If the evaporator is operating correctly, the heat energy is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the warm air. 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.

The coils are designed with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. Fins are used to increase the surface area of the coils. Some evaporators are made of copper while others make use of aluminum, with each having its own set of advantages.

An evaporator that has an accumulation of organic growth is susceptible to issues. This is usually caused by mildew or even mold. If this is the case, the sour smells that the bacteria produce will be spread throughout the house and may cause discomfort.

It is crucial to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is important to also take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Certain evaporators are designed to endure harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate conditions. It is also important to ensure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

The blower fan of 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 suggest keeping the fan on constant for maximum efficiency and to save money 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 older PSC motors. It is able to pay for itself over the life of the unit.

If your fan is running on the high setting, a damaged relay switch or short circuit could be hindering the settings you input on the thermostat from reaching the fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate the air around the house before it is heated or cooling. It removes impurities and prevents dust and pet dander getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It also protects family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or break down.

Homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis each 30 or 90 days, depending on the directions on the label. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional when they aren’t sure of the type of filter they need. A professional can assist them in selecting the right filter for their home based on climate, how much they run their system, and other personal factors like the presence of allergies or smokers in the house.

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 is usually located on the ceiling, wall or floor, or in the in the utility closet. It often has a large grille made of metal that covers the filters. The filter should be accessible to both technicians and homeowners for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they capture different sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able take on larger contaminants like dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture various contaminants while not affecting the normal flow of air.