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 or natural gas to generate heat for the furnace while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric unit.

Each room has vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling, walls or floors. They should be kept open to allow that air circulation is maintained throughout your home.

Thermostat

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

The majority of thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats make use of an instrument called a thermistor made of metals that alter electrical resistance when temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is linked to an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into the temperature reading. Thermostats are available in variety of options including programmable and intelligent thermostats that allow you to monitor your home’s energy consumption and make adjustments.

Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms most frequently used. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for instance, may show more heat than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t operating correctly, try resetting it but if that doesn’t fix the problem, you should call an AC technician for help.

If you’re thinking of replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the various options available to you, and consider a thermostat that is programmable to help save money on your energy costs. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system each day. It’s also worth a look to see if you can find an improved model that could give you more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t working as efficiently as it should one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser is made up of several components that work together to make the unit function. If any of these components get damaged or worn out, the entire system can be impacted. The most common issues found in the condenser are damaged control board or refrigerant leaks.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant through the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform into a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled returns to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process is repeated until it reaches the temperature you want for your home or office.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser running properly is to make sure that the area around it stays free of debris. The condenser’s fan could draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, causing obstructions and hindering the cooling system from functioning efficiently. It is also a good idea to keep the bushes and trees in good shape to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This will help to minimize the risk that branches, berries, or even nuts fall on the system and cause a blockage. The condenser that is free of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that moves warm air into your home. It is comprised of a set of tubing which is u-shaped and set into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system to cool your indoor air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat moves from colder objects to warmer ones. When the evaporator operates correctly, the heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cool air. The refrigerant gas causes to boil or evaporate. In this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured with a thermometer) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

The coils are designed with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. They are referred to as fins and expand the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both used to build some evaporators, each having their own advantages.

An evaporator that has an accumulation of organic growth can be prone to issues. This can be caused by mildew or mold. If this is the case, the unpleasant smells caused by the bacteria can be absorbed by the house and could cause discomfort.

It is crucial to choose an evaporator that can be easily maintained and cleaned. When choosing an evaporator, it is crucial to consider the working environment. Certain evaporators are designed to stand up to harsh conditions, while others work well in moderate conditions. Lastly, you will want to make sure 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 temperature setting. The fan can be on auto or continuous. We recommend keeping the fan running at all times for maximum efficiency and to save money on electricity costs. We could replace the fan motor if it is constantly running. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more efficient than the older PSC motors. It will pay for itself over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan is only running on high, an unbalanced circuit or a broken relay could be preventing your thermostat from adjusting to your fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air around the house before it is heated or cooled. It removes impurities, and also stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It protects the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or even breakdown.

homeowners should change their filters regularly. The label will tell them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional if they are unsure about the kind of filter they require. A professional can assist them in selecting the best filter for their home based on the climate, how much they run their system, and personal factors such as the presence of allergies or smokers within the home.

The filter is located in the return air duct, or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct may be found on the wall, floor, ceiling, or storage closets, and it typically has a large metal grate that is covered by the filter. The filter should be accessible to homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated 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 take on larger contaminants like pet dander or dust mites but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters can snag a variety of contaminants while not affecting the flow of air.