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 system uses propane or oil as well as natural gas to heat the furnace.
Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling, wall or floor of every room. If possible, keep them open to ensure air flows properly throughout your home.
Thermostat
A thermostat is among the most important parts of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by switching off and on the compressor and fan to reach a set temperature, and also turns on the air exchanger to help pull fresh, outside air into your home while venting old, indoor air out through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats utilize the thermistor device which is made up of metals that alter electrical resistance with temperature fluctuations. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats come in a variety of options including programmable and intelligent thermostats that allow you to monitor your home’s energy consumption and make adjustments.
Thermostats are located on the interior walls of your home, typically in rooms where they are used most often. The location of a thermostat in your home could affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for instance, may show an upper temperature than the actual room temperature. This can cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t operating correctly, try setting it again but if that doesn’t fix the problem then you should contact an AC technician for help.
If you’re considering changing your thermostat, you should check out the various options available and think about a programmable model to reduce your energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule, instead of needing you to manually operate your HVAC system each day. It’s also worth a look to see if you can find an alternative that will offer you even more energy savings, like 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 several parts that must be in sync to function. The entire system could be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. The most frequent issues in the condenser are broken control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas that is 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 cooling and to return to a liquid state. This liquid at low pressure is removed and cooled before being transferred back into the evaporator to continue cooling. The process is repeated until the desired temperature in your business or home is reached.
To ensure that your condenser runs properly, you should ensure that the area surrounding it is clear of debris. The condenser’s fan can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, causing obstructions and preventing the cooling system from operating effectively. It’s also a good idea to keep trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts, or branches can get into the system and clog it. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add 1-2 additional years to the life of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the thing that moves warm air in your home. It is made of a series of tubes that are arranged into panels. The coils are being blown by the air of the blower. This is a way of transferring heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid becomes a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.
The thermodynamics law states that heat is transferred from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator is operating correctly, the energy of heat is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the warm air. The refrigerant gas causes to evaporate or boil. During this process, the heat that cannot be measured using thermometers, also known as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.
The coils are designed with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of the coils. Both aluminum and copper are used to make evaporators, each having their own advantages.
One of the most common problems with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This is usually caused by mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacterium will produce a smell that can spread throughout the home. This could cause discomfort.
To avoid these problems, it is important to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some evaporators are built to withstand harsh environments, while others are suited to moderate environments. Lastly, you will want to make sure your evaporator is covered by a solid guarantee that will safeguard your investment.
Fan
The blower fan of your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air throughout your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bill. If your system’s fan is continuously 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 lifetime of the unit.
If your fan only runs on high, a short circuit or a broken relay could be preventing the thermostat settings from reaching the fan.
Filter
Air passes through the filter before it is heated or cooled before being circulated around the house. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating the internal components. It shields the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and break down.
Homeowners need to change their filters regularly. The label will tell them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional if they are unsure of the type of filter they need. A professional can help homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home based on factors like temperature, how often they use their system and even personal preferences, for instance, whether there are allergy sufferers living in the home.
The filter is typically located at the return air duct or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is usually located on the ceiling, wall or floor of the utility closet. It often has a large grille made of metal that covers the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can capture larger contaminants such as dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters can snag various contaminants, but it doesn’t affect the flow of air.
