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 system uses propane or oil as well as natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or on the floor of every room. You should keep them open to allow proper air flow throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is among the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by switching off and on the compressor and fan until they attain a certain temperature. It also switches on the air exchanger to help pull fresh, outside air into your home while venting old, indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats use the thermistor device which is made up of metals that alter electrical resistance with temperature changes. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller converts the resistance change into temperature. There are a variety of thermostats including smart and programmed thermostats. These allow you to monitor and alter your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms most frequently used. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for instance could show more heat than the actual room temperature. This can cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, you can try resetting it but if that does not solve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for assistance.

If you’re considering changing your thermostat, you should check out the different options available and think about a programmable model to reduce your energy costs. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system each day. It’s also worth checking to determine if you can locate an improved model that could offer you even more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t performing properly. The condenser is made up of many different parts that all need to be working in sync for the unit to function. If any of these parts become damaged or wear out, the whole system can be impacted. The most frequent issues in the condenser are a damaged control board or refrigerant leaks.

The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser where fans blow cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to liquid form. The liquid that is cooled moves back into the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated until it reaches the desired temperature for your office or home.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser working effectively is to ensure that the area around it remains free of any debris. Leaves, twigs, grass and other debris could be taken into the unit by the condenser’s fan and create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s a good idea also to keep your trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t get in the way of the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts, or branches will fall into the system and cause clogging. Keep your condenser clean to prolong the lifespan of your AC by a couple of years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the part that circulates warm air into your home. It is constructed of a series of tubes that are arranged into panels. The coils are being blown by the air of the blower. This draws heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat is transferred from colder to warmer objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the heat energy moves from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. The refrigerant gas causes to evaporate or boil. During this process, the latent heat (which is not measurable with thermometers) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

These coils have been designed with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. They are referred to as fins and increase the surface area to help in the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both used to make evaporators, each having their own advantages.

An evaporator that has a buildup of organic growth is prone to problems. This is usually caused by mold or mildew. If this occurs, the bacterium can produce a foul smell that spreads throughout the house. This can cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it is essential to select an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the working environment when selecting an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to endure harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate conditions. You should also ensure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate the cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat setting you set is reached. The fan can be on auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on constant for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electricity bills. If your system’s fan keeps running we can replace it with a brand new ECM blower motor that is up to 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the life of the unit.

If your fan only operates on high, a short circuit or a malfunctioning relay could be preventing your thermostat settings from reaching your fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate the air around the house before it is heated or cooling. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating internal components. It protects the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or even break down.

Homeowners should replace their filters regularly. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional in case they are not sure about the kind of filter they require. A professional can help them select the most appropriate filter for their home based on the climate, how much they run their system, and personal factors such as the presence of allergy sufferers or smokers within the home.

The filter is situated in the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct could be found on the wall, floor, ceiling, or storage closets, and it usually has a large, metal grate that is covered by the filter. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they capture various sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander but isn’t very effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters on the contrary, are able to capture various contaminants without limiting airflow.