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

Each room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. If you can, keep them open to ensure air circulation is properly distributed throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching on and off the fan and compressor to achieve a set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside into your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital, although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats use a device called a thermistor made of metals that alter the electrical resistance with temperature changes. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller converts the resistance change into temperature. There are a variety of thermostats including smart and programmed thermostats. These allow you to control and alter your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats can be placed on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in rooms that are most frequently used. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for instance it could display an upper temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This can cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t operating correctly, try resetting it but if that doesn’t fix the problem, you should call an AC technician for assistance.

You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You can reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to meet your schedule instead of having you manually adjust your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth a look to determine if you can locate an improved model that could give you more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t performing in the way it should. The condenser is made up of a number of parts that have to work together to ensure that the unit functions. If any of these components get damaged or worn out, then the entire system could be affected. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor moves the refrigerant into the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant reduce its temperature and then transform into a liquid state. The liquid that is cooled moves back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until it reaches the temperature you want for your home or office.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser working properly is to make sure that the area around it is free of any debris. Leaves, twigs grass and other debris may be sucked into the unit by the condenser’s fan and create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s recommended to keep bushes and trees trimmed so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This will reduce the possibility that branches, berries, or nuts could fall and clog the system. The condenser that is free of debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that moves warm air into your home. It is comprised of a series of u-shaped tubes, which are then set into panels. The coils are being blown by the air of the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes a gas that circulates through the cooling system to cool your air.

The law of thermodynamics states heat travels from warmer to colder objects. When the evaporator operates correctly, the energy of heat is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cool air. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into gas. In this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured using thermometers) 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 use aluminum, with each having its own set of advantages.

An evaporator that has an accumulation of organic growth can be prone to problems. 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.

To avoid these problems, it is crucial to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is essential to consider the working environment. Certain evaporators are designed to withstand harsh environments, while others are suited to moderate conditions. You will also want to make sure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.

Fan

The blower fan of your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air in your home until you get to the temperature you want. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running at all times for maximum efficiency and to save money on electricity bills. We can replace the motor of the fan in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is up to 70% more energy efficient than the old PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan is operating at the high setting, a damaged relay switch or short circuit may be blocking the settings you set on the thermostat from reaching your fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air in the home before it is heated or cooled. It removes impurities, and stops dust and pet dander from entering into the system and contaminating internal components. It also protects family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and eventually break down.

homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional in case they are not sure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can help them select the right filter for their home based on the climate and how often they use their system, and personal factors like the presence of smokers or allergies in the house.

The filter is located in the return air duct or in certain cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is normally situated on the ceiling, wall, floor or storage closets. It typically has a large grille made of metal that protects the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV will be able to take on larger contaminants like dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filter can capture a variety of contaminants without affecting the flow of air.