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 electric HVAC system uses propane, oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.

Each room has vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. They should be kept open as much as you can to ensure proper air flow throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an important element of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by switching off and on the compressor and fan until they attain a certain temperature. It also turns on the air exchanger to help bring fresh air from outside 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 are controlled by the thermistor. The device contains metals which change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is connected to a controller converts the resistance change into a temperature. Thermostats are available in a variety of styles that include programmable and smart thermostats that allow you to monitor your home energy consumption and make adjustments.

Thermostats are placed on the walls of your house, typically in rooms that are used the most. The location of a thermostat inside your home may affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for instance could show an upper temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This can cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat doesn’t work correctly, try resetting your device. If this doesn’t solve the problem then contact an AC technician.

Consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You will reduce your energy costs. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to meet your schedule instead of having you manually manipulate your HVAC system on a regular basis. It’s also worth a look to determine if you can locate an alternative that will give you more energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it should one of the most frequent causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser is made up of numerous parts that need to work in harmony in order for the unit to function. The entire system could be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. The most frequent issues in the condenser are malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant through the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to liquid form. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled returns to the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated until the temperature you want in your home or business is achieved.

To keep your condenser running correctly, you must ensure that the area around it is clean of any debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers, grass, and other debris can be sucked into the unit by the condenser fan. This can cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It’s also a good idea to keep the trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t touch the unit. This will help to minimize the possibility that berries, branches, or even nuts fall on the system and cause a blockage. Keep your condenser in good condition to extend the life of your AC system by a couple of years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the component that circulates warm air into your home. It is made up of a string of tubing that is u-shaped and placed into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown through these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.

The thermodynamic law states that heat travels from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator is operating properly, the heat energy passes from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into a gas. In this process, heat that cannot be measured by thermometers, also known as latent heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. These are known as fins, and they expand the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both used to make Evaporators, each with distinct advantages.

An evaporator that is afflicted with an accumulation of organic growth is susceptible to issues. This can be the result of mold or mildew. If this is the case, the unpleasant smells caused by the bacteria can be absorbed by the house and may cause discomfort.

It is essential to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the working environment when selecting an evaporator. Some are built to withstand harsh conditions, while others can be used in moderate conditions. In the end, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid guarantee 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 thermostat setting you have set is reached. The fan can be on auto or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and save money on your electric bills. We could replace the fan motor in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more efficient than the previous PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan is operating at the highest setting, a broken relay switch or short circuit may be preventing the settings you enter on the thermostat from reaching the fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air throughout the house before it is heated or cooling. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating the internal components. It also shields family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is working 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 frequently – every 30 or 90 days, depending on the directions on the label. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure of the type of filter they need. A professional can assist 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 smokers or allergy sufferers in the house.

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 located on the ceiling, wall, floor or utility closet. It usually has a large metal grille that covers the filters. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians to aid in cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which reveals how well they are able to capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to remove larger particles such as dust mites and pet dander, but it’s not very effective at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture many kinds of contaminants while not affecting the flow of air.