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 in an all-electric HVAC unit runs on propane, oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.

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

Thermostat

A thermostat is among the most crucial components 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 activates the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside into your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermistor. The device is made of metals which change resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor is connected to an microcontroller that converts changing resistance into an indication of temperature. Thermostats are available in a variety of options including programmable and intelligent thermostats that allow you to monitor your home energy consumption and make adjustments.

Thermostats are located on the interior walls of your house, typically in rooms that are used most often. The place of a thermostat within your home could affect its accuracy. For example one thermostat placed in direct sunlight could appear hotter than the actual room temperature which can cause your system to run too much or not run at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, you can try setting it again however if this doesn’t fix the problem then you should contact an AC technician for assistance.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your current thermostat. You’ll reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system every day. It is also worth checking to see if you can find an alternative that will offer you even more energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t working as efficiently as it should one of the most frequent causes is your condenser. The condenser is made up of a number of parts that have to work together to function. The entire system may be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most common problems found in the condenser include a damaged control board or refrigerant leaks.

The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser, where fans blow cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant cool down and convert back into a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled moves back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated in order to reach the desired temperature for your home or office.

To keep your condenser running correctly, you must ensure that the area surrounding it is clear of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers grass and other debris could be carried into the unit by the condenser fan and cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It’s also a good idea to keep the bushes and trees in good shape so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This can reduce the chance that branches, berries, or nuts could fall on the system and cause a blockage. Clean your condenser to prolong the life of your AC by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the part that allows warm air to enter your home. It is comprised of a series of tubing that is shaped like a U and then set into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This is a way of transferring heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.

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

The coils are designed with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. Fins are used to increase the surface area of the coils. Both aluminum and copper are utilized to construct evaporators, each having its own advantages.

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

It is important to select an evaporator that is easily maintained and cleaned. When choosing an evaporator, it is essential to 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 ones. You will also want to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty which will protect you and your investment.

Fan

The fan in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air throughout your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bills. If your system’s fan is constantly running, we can replace it with an ECM blower motor that is up to 70 percent more efficient than older PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the life of the unit.

If your fan is operating at the highest setting, a damaged relay switch or short circuit may be hindering the settings you input on the thermostat from reaching the fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air throughout the house before it is heated or cooling. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander from entering into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It also shields family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and ultimately break down.

Homeowners need to replace their filters on a regular basis. The label will inform the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t certain which type of filter they require they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can assist 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 for instance, whether there are allergy sufferers in the home.

The filter is typically located in the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct could be located on the floor, wall or ceiling, or in a in the utility closet. It usually has a large, metal grate that is covered by the filter. The filter should be easily accessible to both technicians and homeowners for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they can capture various sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander however it’s not as effective at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on the contrary, are able to capture many different contaminants without restricting normal airflow.