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 of an all-electric HVAC unit uses propane or oil as well as natural gas to heat the furnace.
Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. If possible, keep them open to ensure that air is flowing properly throughout your home.
Thermostat
A thermostat is among the most important parts of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning off and on the compressor and fan until they attain a pre-set temperature. It also activates the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermistor. The device is made of metals that alter resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats are available in variety of options, including programmable and smart thermostats that let you track your home’s energy usage and adjust it accordingly.
Thermostats are located on the interior walls of your home, typically in rooms where they are used the most. The location of a thermostat inside your home may affect its accuracy. For instance the thermostat that is located in direct sunlight could appear hotter than the actual room temperature which can cause your system to overrun or not even run at all. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, you can try setting it again, but if this does not solve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for help.
You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You can save money on energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system every day. It’s also worth checking to determine if you can locate an improved model that could provide you with even greater energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.
Condenser
When your air conditioning isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should, one of the most common causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser is made up of several components that work together to function. The entire system may be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pushed into the condenser where a fan blows cool air from outside over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to liquid form. This low-pressure liquid is then cooled and returned to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process repeats until it reaches the desired temperature for your home or office.
The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser working effectively is to ensure that the area around it stays clear of debris. The condenser’s fan can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, causing clogs and hindering the cooling system from operating effectively. It’s also a good idea to keep the trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t touch the unit. This will reduce the chance that nuts, berries or branches fall into the system and block it. Clean your condenser to prolong the lifespan of your AC by a couple of years.
Evaporator
The evaporator is a component that circulates warm air into your home. It is made up of a series of tubing which is u-shaped and placed into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This draws heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid becomes an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.
The thermodynamic law states that heat moves from warmer to colder objects. If the evaporator operates properly, the heat energy passes from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate. In this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured using thermometers) is transferred from air to refrigerant.
These coils have been created with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. These are known as fins, and increase the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Both aluminum and copper are used to make Evaporators, each with its own advantages.
A evaporator with an accumulation of organic growth is prone to problems. This could be the result of mildew or mold. If this is the case, the foul smells that the bacteria produce will be spread throughout the home and can cause discomfort.
To avoid these issues, it is important to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. When choosing an evaporator, it is crucial to consider the working environment. Some evaporators can endure harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate environments. Also, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator is covered by a solid guarantee that will ensure your investment.
Fan
The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air through your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bills. We could replace the fan motor when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is up to 70 percent more efficient than the older PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifespan of the unit.
If your fan is only running on the high setting, a broken relay switch or short circuit may be blocking the settings you set on the thermostat from reaching your fan.
Filter
The air passes through the filter, before being warmed or cooled and circulated throughout the home. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It also protects family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and eventually break down.
The homeowner should change their filters regularly – every 30 or 90 days, depending on the instructions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t sure which kind of filter they should use, they should consult an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners select the best filter for their home depending on factors such as the climate, the frequency they use their system, and even personal factors such as whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers in the house.
The filter is located in 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 in the utility closet. It often contains a large metal grate that covers the filter. The filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians to aid in cleaning and replacement.
Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which reveals how well they are able to capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able to capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander however it’s not as efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters on the contrary, can capture various contaminants without limiting airflow.