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

Every room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. If possible, keep them open to ensure air is flowing properly 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 fan and compressor to attain a pre-set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside into your home and vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats make use of a device called a thermistor, which has metals that alter the electrical resistance as changes in temperature. 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 programmable thermostats. These allow you to monitor and adjust your home’s power consumption.

Thermostats can be placed on the walls of your home’s interior. They are usually in the rooms that are most frequently used. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for instance, may show more heat than the actual room temperature. This can cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat doesn’t work correctly, try resetting your device. If this doesn’t work then contact an AC technician.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your current thermostat. You’ll 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 on a daily basis. You should also see if there is an efficient model, for instance one that is ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t working as well as it should. The condenser consists of several components that work together to function. If any of these parts become damaged or wear out, the whole system may be affected. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning control board for the condenser, or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser, where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled returns to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process repeats until it reaches the temperature you want for your office or home.

To keep your condenser running properly, you should ensure that the area around it is clear of debris. The condenser’s fans can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, creating clogs and preventing the cooling system from operating efficiently. It is recommended to keep the bushes and trees cut back so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This reduces the likelihood that berries, nuts or branches can enter the system and clog it. Keep your condenser clean to extend the life of your AC system by a couple of years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the thing that moves warm air in your home. It is made of a string of tubing that is u-shaped and placed into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool your indoor air.

The thermodynamic law states that heat travels from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator is operating correctly, the heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cool air. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into a gas. During this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured using a thermometer) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

The coils are made with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Both aluminum and copper are used to make evaporators, each having their own advantages.

An evaporator that has an accumulation of organic growth is susceptible to issues. This can be a result of mold or mildew. If this happens, the bacterium will produce a smell that will spread throughout the house. This may cause discomfort.

To avoid these problems, it is important to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is essential to consider the working environment. Some evaporators are built to endure harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate ones. Lastly, you will want to make sure your evaporator has a solid warranty to ensure your investment.

Fan

The blower fan of your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air in your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can be turned on auto or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bill. We can replace the fan motor when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more 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 could be hindering the settings you input on the thermostat from reaching your fan.

Filter

Air passes through the filter, before being heated or cooled before being circulated throughout the home. It removes impurities and prevents dust and pet dander getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It protects the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or even breakdown.

Homeowners need to replace their filters on a regular basis. The label will tell them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional in case they are not sure about the kind of filter they require. A professional can assist them in choosing the best filter for their home based on climate, how much they run their system, as well as personal factors like the presence of allergies 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 is typically situated on the wall, ceiling or floor, or in the in the utility closet. It often has a large metal grille that covers the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to both technicians and homeowners to make it easy to clean and replace.

Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they are able to capture different sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to remove larger particles such as dust mites and pet dander, but it’s not very efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters can snag various contaminants, but it doesn’t affect the flow of air.