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 makes use of propane or natural gas, or oil to generate heat for the furnace, while electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric system.

Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling or on the floor of every room. You should keep them open if possible to ensure the proper circulation of air throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an important element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning off and on the fan and compressor until they achieve a specific temperature, and also turns on the air exchanger to pull fresh, outside air into your home, while exchanging stale indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However older models are available. Digital thermostats make use of an instrument called a thermistor, which has metals that change electrical resistance as temperature fluctuations. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller converts the resistance change into a temperature. Thermostats come in a variety of options that include programmable and smart thermostats that allow you to monitor your home energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are placed on the walls of your home, usually in rooms where they are used most often. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. For instance the thermostat that is located in direct sunlight may read hotter than the actual room temperature which can cause your system to run excessively or not even run at all. If your thermostat doesn’t work correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem then contact an AC technician.

If you’re thinking of changing your thermostat, you should check out the different options available for you and consider the possibility of a programmable thermostat to save money on your energy costs. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your preferences, rather than requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth a look to determine if you can locate a better model that can offer you even more energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it should. The condenser unit is made up of numerous parts that all need to be functioning in harmony for the unit to function. If any of these components get damaged or worn out, the entire system can be impacted. The most common problems found in the condenser are a malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser where fans blow cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to liquid form. The low-pressure liquid is removed and cooled before being transferred back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process repeats in order to reach the temperature you want for your home or office.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser working correctly is to ensure that the area around it stays free of debris. The condenser’s fan could draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, creating blockages and preventing the cooling system from functioning properly. It is a good idea to keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t get in the way of the unit. This will help to minimize the risk that berries, branches, or nuts could fall on the system and cause a blockage. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add 1-2 additional years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the component that moves warm air into your home. It is made of a series of tubing which is u-shaped, and placed into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown across these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat is transferred from colder to hot objects. When the evaporator is operating correctly, this heat energy passes from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to evaporate or boil. During this process, the latent heat (which is not measurable with a thermometer) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. They are referred to as fins, and increase the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both utilized to construct evaporators, each with distinct advantages.

One of the most common issues with an evaporator is the accumulation of organic growth. This can be caused by mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacteria will produce a smell that can spread throughout the home. This may cause discomfort.

It is important to select an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some are designed to withstand harsh conditions while others can be used in moderate environments. In the end, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid guarantee that will safeguard your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate hot or cold air throughout your home until the thermostat you have set is reached. The fan can be on automatic or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bills. We can replace the fan motor if it is constantly running. The new ECM motor is 70% more energy efficient than the old PSC motors. It will pay for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air in the home before it is heated or cool. It removes impurities, and also stops dust and pet dander getting into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It also protects family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens that float in the air. It also ensures that the system works efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and eventually break down.

Homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis. The label will tell the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional when they aren’t sure of the type of filter they require. A professional can help them select the best filter for their home based on the climate, how much they run their system, and personal factors like the presence of allergies or smokers in the house.

The filter is typically located at the return air duct or, in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct can be found on the wall, floor, ceiling, or storage closets, and it often contains a large metal grate that covers the filter. The filter should be accessible to both homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.

Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they are able to capture various sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander, but it’s not very effective at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filter can capture a variety of contaminants while not affecting normal airflow.