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 all-electric HVAC unit uses propane or oil as well as natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.

Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling or on the floor of every room. You should keep them open to allow that air circulation is maintained throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by turning off and on the fan and compressor until they attain a certain temperature, and also switches on the air exchanger in order to pull fresh, outside air into your home while venting old, indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital although older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermostat. The device contains metals which change resistance as temperatures change. The thermistor is connected a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into a temperature reading. Thermostats come in a variety of styles that include programmable and smart thermostats that allow you to monitor your home’s energy consumption and make adjustments.

Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in the rooms that are most often used. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. For instance one thermostat placed in direct sunlight may appear hotter than the actual room temperature and cause your system to overrun or not run at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work, call an AC technician.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your current thermostat. You can save money on energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system every day. It is also worth checking to see if you can find an alternative that will offer you even more savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser unit is comprised of many different parts that need to be functioning in harmony in order for the unit to function. The entire system could be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most frequent issues in the condenser are malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser, where a fan blows cool air from outside over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool and return to a liquid form. This cooled low-pressure liquid then returns to the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process continues until the desired temperature in your home or business is reached.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser operating properly is to make sure that the area around it stays free of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers, grass and other debris could be carried into the unit by the condenser fan and create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is a good idea to keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t encroach onto the unit. This can reduce the chance that branches, berries, or nuts could fall and block the system. The condenser that is free of debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is what circulates warm air inside your home. It is comprised of a series u-shaped tubes, which are then set into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown across these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat travels from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator is operating properly, the heat energy passes from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant gas to boil or evaporate. During this process the latent heat (which cannot be measured using thermometers) 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 expand the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Both aluminum and copper are utilized to construct evaporators, each with its own advantages.

One of the most frequent problems with evaporators is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be the result of mold or mildew. If this is the case, the unpleasant smells that the bacteria produce will be spread throughout the home and can cause discomfort.

It is important to select an evaporator which can be easily maintained and cleaned. It is also a good idea to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some are designed to withstand harsh environments, whereas others can work well in moderate conditions. You will also want to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air in your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bills. We can replace the motor of the fan when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is up to 70% more energy efficient than the previous PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan is only operating at the high setting, a broken relay switch or short circuit could 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 cooling. It removes impurities and also stops dust and pet dander from entering into the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or even break down.

homeowners should change their filters on a regular basis each 30 days or 90 days, depending on the instructions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t sure what type of filter they require, they should consult an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in selecting the most appropriate filter for their home based on climate and the amount of time they use their system, and personal factors like the presence of smokers or allergies in the house.

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 located on the floor, wall, ceiling, or utility closet, and it usually has a large, metal grate that covers the filter. The filter should be easily accessible to both technicians and homeowners for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can capture larger contaminants such as pet dander or dust mites but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters can snag many kinds of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect the normal flow of air.