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. Its blower makes use of propane, oil or natural gas to create heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric unit.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling, wall or floor of each room. You should keep them open as much as you can to ensure the proper circulation of air throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning on and off the compressor and fan to achieve a specific temperature. It also activates the air exchanger in order to bring fresh air from outside into your home, while venting old, indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital, however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats make use of the thermistor device made of metals that alter electrical resistance when temperature fluctuations. The thermistor, connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into a temperature. Thermostats come in a range of models that include programmable and smart thermostats that let you track your home’s energy usage and make adjustments.

Thermostats are located on the interior walls of your house, typically in rooms that are most frequently used. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for example it could display more heat than the actual temperature of the room. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, you can try setting it again, but if this does not solve the issue then you should contact an AC technician for help.

Consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can reduce your energy costs. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system each day. It is also advisable to see if there is a more efficient model, for instance one that is ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t functioning as efficiently as it is supposed to one of the most frequent causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser is made up of several parts that must work together to make the unit function. The entire system could be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most common issues found in the condenser are a broken control board or refrigerant leaks.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser, which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to a liquid form. The low-pressure liquid is removed and cooled before being moved back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process continues until the temperature you want in your business or home is reached.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser working properly is to make sure that the area around it is free of any debris. The condenser’s fans can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, creating blockages and preventing the cooling system from functioning properly. It’s recommended to keep bushes and trees in good shape so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts or branches can get into the system and block it. Keep your condenser clean to extend the life of your AC system by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the component that allows warm air to enter your home. It is comprised of a set of tubing which is u-shaped, and placed into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown across these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid turns into an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool the air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat moves from hotter to colder objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the warm air. This causes the refrigerant to vaporize or boil. In this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured with a thermometer) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. These are also 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 distinct advantages.

One of the most frequent problems with evaporators is the accumulation of organic growth. This is usually caused by mold or mildew. If this occurs, the bacterium may produce a sour smell that will spread throughout the house. This may cause discomfort.

It is crucial to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is essential to think about the working environment. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh conditions, while others can be used in moderate conditions. You should also make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate cool or hot air through your home until the temperature you set is attained. The fan can be set to auto or continuous. We recommend keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bill. If your system’s fan keeps running, we can replace it with an ECM blower motor, which is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the life of the unit.

If your fan is operating at the high setting, a malfunctioning relay switch or short circuit could be hindering the settings you input on the thermostat from reaching your fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air around the house before it is heated or cooled. It eliminates impurities and also stops dust and pet dander getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It safeguards the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and could cause it overheat or to fail.

Homeowners should change their filters on a regular basis. The label will inform the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t sure which type of filter they require and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners select the best filter for their home, depending on factors such as temperature, how often they use their system and even personal factors, such as whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers in the home.

The filter is usually found at the return air duct, or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct could be found on the floor, wall or ceiling, or in a in the utility closet. It often contains a large metal grate that is covered by the filter. Ideally, 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 reveals how efficient they are at capturing various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able to capture larger contaminants such as pet dander and dust mites but isn’t very effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture a variety of contaminants while not affecting normal airflow.