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, wall or floor of every room. If you can, keep them open to ensure that air flows properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an important element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning off and on the compressor and fan to reach a preset temperature. It also activates the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermistor. This device has metals that alter 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 options, including programmable and smart thermostats that allow you to monitor your home energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are installed on the walls of your home, typically in rooms that are most frequently used. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for instance could show a higher temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This can cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try reset it but if that does not solve the issue then you should contact an AC technician for assistance.

You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You will save money on energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule, instead of needing you to manually operate your HVAC system every day. You should also check to see if there is a more efficient model, like one that’s ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t functioning as well as it should. The condenser unit is comprised of numerous parts that all need to be working in sync in order for the unit to function. If any of these components become damaged or wear out, the whole system could be affected. The most common issues found in the condenser include a malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pumped 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 form. The liquid that is cooled moves back into the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until the desired temperature for your home or business is reached.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser running effectively is to ensure that the area around it remains clear of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers, grass, and other debris can be carried into the unit by the condenser’s fan and cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It’s recommended to keep bushes and trees in good shape so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This will help to minimize the risk that branches, berries, or nuts could fall and block the system. The condenser that is free of 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 comprised of a series of u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. 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 to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states heat travels from warmer to colder objects. If the evaporator operates correctly, this heat energy moves from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into gas. In this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured with a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

The coils are made with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of coils. Some evaporators are made of copper, while others are made of aluminum, with each offering its own set of advantages.

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

To avoid these issues, it is important to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. When choosing an evaporator, it is crucial to take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate environments. Also, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator has a solid warranty that will safeguard your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate cold or hot air throughout your home until the thermostat setting you set is reached. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on continuous to maximize efficiency and to save money on electricity costs. We could replace the fan motor when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more energy efficient than the old PSC motors. It is able to pay for itself over the lifetime of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air around the house before it is heated or cooled. It removes impurities and stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It protects the family members from illnesses caused by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and break down.

homeowners should change their filters frequently each 30 or 90 days, based on the instructions on the label. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional if they are unsure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can assist homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home depending on factors such as temperature, how often they use their system and even personal preferences, such as whether there are allergy sufferers in the home.

The filter is typically located at the return air duct, or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is normally situated on the wall, ceiling, floor or utility closet. It often has a large grille made of metal that covers the filters. The filter is accessible to homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how efficient they are at collecting different sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters on the contrary, are able to capture a wide range of contaminants without limiting normal airflow.