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

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

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by switching on and off the compressor and fan until they attain a pre-set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside into your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermosistor. The device contains metals that alter resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor is connected a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into a temperature reading. There are a variety of thermostats, including smart and programmable thermostats. These allow you to control and alter your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms most often used. The location of a thermostat inside your home can 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 run excessively or not operate at all. If your thermostat doesn’t work properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem, call an AC technician.

If you’re thinking of replacing your thermostat, check out the different options available and consider a thermostat that is programmable to help save money on your energy costs. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your preferences, rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system each day. It is also worth checking to determine if you can locate an alternative that will offer you even more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t working as efficiently as it should one of the most frequent causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser unit is comprised of numerous parts that all need to be working in sync for the unit to work. The entire system could be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor moves the refrigerant through the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to a liquid state. 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 business or home is reached.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser running effectively is to ensure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers, grass and other debris could be sucked into the unit by the condenser fan and cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It’s important to keep trees and bushes trimmed so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This will decrease the chances that nuts, berries or branches get into the system and cause clogging. The condenser that is free of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator circulates warm air inside your home. It is made up of a string of tubing which is u-shaped, and set into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat is transferred from colder to hot objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the energy is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the warm air. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into a gas. In this process, heat that cannot be measured using thermometers, referred to as latent heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils have been designed with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. These are known as fins and increase the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are made of copper, while others are made of aluminum, with each material offering its own set of advantages.

One of the most common issues with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This could be caused by mildew or mold. If this is the case, the foul odors produced by the bacteria will be spread throughout the home and can cause discomfort.

To avoid these problems, it is important to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh environments, whereas others can be used in moderate conditions. Also, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator comes with a solid warranty that will safeguard your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air through your home until you get to the temperature you want. The fan can be on automatic or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on continuous to maximize efficiency and to cut down on electricity costs. If your system’s fan keeps running, we can replace it with a new ECM blower motor that is up to 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the life of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air around the house before it is heated or cool. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating internal components. It safeguards the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system works efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or even break down.

Homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis. The label will tell 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 require. A professional can help homeowners select the best filter for their home in light of factors like temperature, how often they use their system, and even personal factors for instance, whether there are allergy sufferers in the home.

The filter is located in the return air duct, or in some cases the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct could be located on the floor, wall, ceiling, or utility closet, and it usually has a large, metal grate which covers the filter. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how effective they are at collecting different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able to catch larger contaminants like pet dander and dust mites however it’s not as effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on the contrary, are able to capture a wide range of contaminants without restricting normal airflow.