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, oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or wall of every room. If possible, keep them open to ensure air is flowing properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching off and on the fan and compressor until they reach a set temperature. It also turns 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. However there are older models. Digital thermostats utilize the thermistor device made of metals that alter the electrical resistance as temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is connected an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into the temperature reading. There are many types of thermostats including smart and programable thermostats. These allow you to control and alter your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are installed on the walls of your home, typically in rooms that are used most often. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for example, may show more heat than the actual temperature of the room. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work then contact an AC technician.

You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system each day. You should also check to determine if there’s an efficient model, like one that’s ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t working in the way it should. The condenser unit is comprised of a variety of parts that need to work in harmony for the unit to function. The entire system can be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. The most common issues found in the condenser include a malfunctioning control board or refrigerant leaks.

The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser, where the fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform into a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid is chilled and then returned to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated to achieve the desired temperature for your office or home.

To ensure that your condenser is operating efficiently, make sure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers grass and other debris may be taken 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 bushes and trees trimmed so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This reduces the likelihood that nuts, berries or branches will get into the system and clog it. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the component that allows warm air to enter your home. It is comprised of a series of u-shaped tubes, which are then set into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This transfers heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool your indoor air.

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

The coils are made with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. These are also known as fins and increase the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are made of copper, while others are made of aluminum, with each providing its own set advantages.

A evaporator with a buildup of organic growth is prone to issues. This is usually caused by mildew or even mold. If this happens, the bacteria can produce a foul smell that spreads throughout the home. This can cause discomfort.

It is essential to choose an evaporator which can be easily maintained and cleaned. It is also a good idea to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some are built to withstand harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate conditions. Also, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator has a solid warranty that will protect your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate the cool or hot air through your home until the temperature you have set is attained. The fan can be turned on auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running continuous to maximize efficiency and to cut down on electricity bills. If your system’s fan is constantly running We can replace it with a new ECM blower motor which is up to 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan is only running on the high setting, a damaged relay switch or short circuit may be preventing the settings you enter on the thermostat from reaching your fan.

Filter

The air passes through the filter before it is warmed or cooled and circulated around the home. It removes impurities, and prevents dust and pet dander from entering into the system to contaminate internal components. It shields the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system works efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or to fail.

The homeowner should change their filters regularly each 30 or 90 days, depending on the directions on the label. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional if they are unsure of the type of filter they need. A professional can assist homeowners choose the right filter for their home in light of factors like the climate, the frequency they use their system, and even personal factors, such as whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers in 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 usually placed on the wall, ceiling or floor of the in the utility closet. It typically has a large grille made of metal that covers the filters. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and service technicians 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 filter with a low MERV rating is able to capture larger contaminants such as pet dander and dust mites however it’s not as effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture a variety of contaminants while not affecting the normal flow of air.