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 as fuel to heat the furnace.

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

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning on and shutting off the compressor and fan until they achieve a set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside your home and vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However older models are available. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermostat. This device has metals that alter resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor is connected an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into a temperature reading. There are a variety of thermostats, including smart and programmed thermostats. These allow you to control and alter your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are installed on the interior walls of your home, typically in rooms where they are used the most. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. For instance one thermostat placed in direct sunlight could appear hotter than the actual room temperature, causing your system to overrun or not operate at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, you can try reset it but if that does not resolve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for help.

Consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You’ll reduce your energy costs. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to meet your schedule, rather than having you manually alter your HVAC system on a daily basis. You should also determine if there’s a more efficient model, for instance one that’s ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it should. The condenser consists of several parts that must be in sync to ensure that the unit functions. If any of these parts get damaged or worn out, the whole system could be affected. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning control board for the condenser, or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor moves the refrigerant into the condenser, which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to a liquid form. The liquid that is cooled is redirected back to the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated to achieve the temperature you desire for your office or home.

To ensure that your condenser is operating correctly, you must ensure that the area surrounding it is clear of debris. The condenser’s fan could pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, creating obstructions and preventing the cooling system from operating efficiently. It is also a good idea to keep the bushes and trees cut back so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This will help to minimize the risk that branches, berries or nuts could fall and clog the system. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add 1-2 additional years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that moves warm air into your home. It is made up of a series of tubing which is shaped like a U and then set into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This transfer heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat flows from hotter to colder objects. If the evaporator operates correctly, the energy passes from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into gas. In this process, the latent heat (which is not measurable with a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

These coils are designed with special structures that enhance the transfer of heat. These are also known as fins, and expand the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both utilized to construct evaporators, each with distinct advantages.

An evaporator that is afflicted with an accumulation of organic growth is prone to problems. This can be a result of mold or mildew. If this happens, the bacteria can produce a foul smell that spreads throughout the house. This can cause discomfort.

It is crucial to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some are built to withstand harsh environments, whereas others can work well in moderate environments. Lastly, you will want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid guarantee that will ensure your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate the cool or hot air through your home until the temperature you have set is reached. The fan can be set to automatic or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bill. We can replace the motor of the fan in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is 70% more energy efficient than the old PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

If your fan is only operating at the high setting, a malfunctioning relay switch or short circuit may be blocking the settings you set 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 protects the family members from illnesses caused by airborne pathogens. It also ensures the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and could cause it overheat or break down.

Homeowners should change their filters on a regular basis. The label will tell the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t sure what type of filter they require they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home, depending on factors such as temperature, how often they use their system, and even personal factors such as whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers living in the home.

The filter is situated in the return air duct or in certain cases, the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct is typically located on the wall, ceiling, floor or storage closets. It typically is covered by a large metal grille that protects the filters. The filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which reveals how effective they are in taking in different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV will be able to take on larger contaminants like dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters on the contrary, are able to capture various contaminants without limiting airflow.