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 uses propane, oil or natural gas to generate heat for the furnace while electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric unit.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling, wall or floor of every room. They should be kept open as much as you can to ensure that air circulation is maintained throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial part 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 in order to draw fresh air from outside into your home and vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital although older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermistor. This device has metals that alter resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor, which is connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats that include smart and programable thermostats. These allow you to control and alter your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are located on the interior walls of your home, usually in rooms that are most frequently used. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for example could show a higher temperature than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work, call an AC technician.

If you’re thinking about replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the various options available and consider a thermostat that is programmable to help save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system every day. You should also check to find out if there’s a more efficient model, such as one that is ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t functioning as efficiently as it ought to one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser consists of several parts that must work together to ensure that the unit functions. The entire system could be affected if any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most frequent issues in the condenser are damaged control board or refrigerant leaks.

The compressor moves the refrigerant through the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to get cool and transform into a liquid state. The liquid that is cooled returns to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process continues 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 any debris. The condenser’s fans can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, creating blockages and preventing the cooling system from operating properly. It is important to keep the bushes and trees trimmed to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This will decrease the chances that nuts, berries or branches will get into the system and block it. Keep your condenser clean to extend the lifespan of your AC by a minimum of 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the part that allows warm air to enter your home. It is made of a series u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown across these coils. This transfers heat from the indoor environment to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat flows from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator is operating properly, the energy is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the warm air. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process, the heat that is not measured using a thermometer, known as latent heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils have been designed with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. Fins are used to increase the surface area of coils. Both aluminum and copper are utilized to construct evaporators, each having its own advantages.

A evaporator with a buildup of organic growth can be prone to problems. This can be caused by mold or mildew. If this is the case, the foul smells that the bacteria produce will be spread throughout the house and could cause discomfort.

It is crucial to choose an evaporator which can be easily maintained and cleaned. When choosing an evaporator, it is crucial to consider the working environment. Some evaporators are built to withstand harsh environments, while others work well in moderate conditions. You will also want to ensure that your evaporator is covered by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in 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 that you keep the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and reduce your electric bills. If your system’s fan is continuously running, we can replace it with an ECM blower motor that is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the duration of the unit.

If your fan is operating at the highest setting, a broken relay switch or short circuit may 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 cooled. It removes impurities, and also stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It also shields family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or even breakdown.

Homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis each 30 or 90 days, depending on the directions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t certain which type of filter they require and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. 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 such as the presence of allergy sufferers or smokers within the home.

The filter is situated in the return air duct, or in some cases, the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct can be located on the wall, floor or ceiling, or even in the in the utility closet. It often contains a large metal grate that covers 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 indicates how effective they are in collecting different sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able filter larger particles such as dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters can snag a variety of contaminants without affecting normal airflow.