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.
Each room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. If possible, keep them open to ensure air flows properly throughout your home.
Thermostat
A thermostat is among the most important parts of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by switching off and on the compressor and fan to attain a certain temperature, and it also switches on the air exchanger to help pull fresh, outside air into your home while venting stale, indoor air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital, although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermistor. The device is made of metals that alter resistance as temperatures change. The thermistor is connected a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into the temperature reading. Thermostats come in a range of models including programmable and intelligent thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and make adjustments.
Thermostats are located on the interior walls of your home, typically in rooms that are used the most. The location of a thermostat in your home could affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for instance, may show a higher temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try resetting it, but if this does not solve the issue, you should call an AC technician for assistance.
You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You’ll save money on energy bills. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule instead of having to manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also advisable to see if there is an energy-efficient model, like one that’s ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.
Condenser
When your air conditioning isn’t functioning as efficiently as it is supposed to one of the most frequent causes is your condenser. The condenser unit is comprised of a variety of components that must be working in sync for the unit to work. If any of these components are damaged or worn out, the whole system could be affected. The most frequent issues in the condenser are malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pushed into the condenser, where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant get cool and transform into a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled moves back into the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until it reaches the temperature you want for your home or office.
To ensure that your condenser runs properly, you should ensure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs, grass, and other debris can be taken into the unit by the condenser fan and result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s important to keep bushes and trees trimmed to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This will help to minimize the risk that branches, berries, or nuts will fall and clog the system. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add two or three years to the life of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the part that moves warm air into your home. It is made of a string of tubing that is u-shaped and placed 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 refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.
The thermodynamic law states that heat is transferred from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator operates correctly, the energy of heat is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cold air. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process the latent heat (which is not measurable with a thermometer) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.
The coils are designed with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. These are known as fins, and increase the surface area to help in the transfer of heat. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper while others make use of aluminum, with each material having its own set of advantages.
An evaporator that has a buildup of organic growth is prone to problems. This can be the result of mold or mildew. If this occurs, the bacterium may produce a sour smell that will spread throughout the home. This can cause discomfort.
To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is important to also consider the working environment. Some evaporators are built to stand up to harsh conditions, while others work well in moderate ones. Lastly, you will want to make sure your evaporator has a solid guarantee that will safeguard your investment.
Fan
The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air in your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be on auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and save money on your electric bills. 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 older PSC motors. It will pay for itself over the lifetime of the unit.
If your fan only operates 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 the air in the home before it is heated or cooled. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating the internal components. It also shields family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens that float in the air. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or even breakdown.
Homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis each 30 or 90 days, based on the directions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t certain what type of filter they require, they should consult an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home depending on factors such as the climate, the frequency they use their system and even personal factors such as whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers in 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 is usually situated on the ceiling, wall or floor, or in the in the utility closet. It usually has a large grille made of metal that covers the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they can capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV will be able to filter larger particles such as dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on the other hand, can catch many different contaminants without limiting airflow.
