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 runs on propane or oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling, wall or floor of every room. You should keep them open to allow proper air flow 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 fan and compressor until they reach a set temperature, and also turns on the air exchanger to help bring fresh air from outside into your home, while exchanging stale indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermosistor. This device has metals that change resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats including smart and programmed thermostats. They let you monitor and adjust your home’s power consumption.

Thermostats are placed on the walls of your home, typically in rooms where they are most frequently used. The place of a thermostat within your home may affect its accuracy. For instance the thermostat that is located in direct sunlight may be more hot than the actual temperature of the room which can cause your system to overrun or not operate at all. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try resetting your device. If this doesn’t help contact an AC technician.

Consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can save money on your energy bills. 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 on a daily basis. It is also advisable to see if there is an energy-efficient model, such as one that is ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t performing in the way it should. The condenser is comprised of several components that work together to ensure that the unit functions. If any of these parts become damaged or wear out, then the entire system can be impacted. The most common issues found in the condenser are malfunctioning control board or refrigerant leaks.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to cool down and convert back to a liquid state. This low-pressure liquid is then cooled and transferred back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until it reaches the temperature you want for your home or office.

To keep your condenser running properly, you should ensure that the area around it is clear of debris. The condenser’s fan could pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, creating clogs and preventing the cooling system from operating efficiently. It’s a good idea also to keep your trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This can reduce the possibility that berries, branches, or nuts could fall on the system and cause a blockage. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add 1-2 additional years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that moves warm air into your home. It is comprised of a string of tubing which is u-shaped and set into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid turns into a gas that circulates through the cooling system to cool your air.

The law of thermodynamics states heat travels from warmer to colder objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the heat energy moves from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured using a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

These coils are designed with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of coils. Some evaporators are made of copper, while others are made of aluminum, with each providing its own set advantages.

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

It is crucial to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Some evaporators can withstand harsh environments, while others work well in moderate ones. In the end, you’ll be sure that your evaporator is covered by a solid warranty that will protect your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate cool or hot air through your home until the temperature you set is attained. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on constant for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electric bills. We can replace the motor of the fan in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is 70% more energy efficient than the old PSC motors. It will pay for itself over the life of the unit.

If your fan is only running on high, a short circuit or a broken relay could be preventing the thermostat settings from reaching the fan.

Filter

Air flows through the filter, before being heated or cooled before being circulated around the home. It removes impurities, and stops dust and pet dander getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It also protects family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and ultimately break down.

Homeowners need to change their filters on a regular basis. The label will tell them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional if they are unsure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can assist homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home based on factors like the climate, the frequency they use their system, and even personal factors for instance, whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers in the house.

The filter is usually located in the return air duct or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is normally placed on the wall, ceiling, floor or in the utility closet. It usually has a large metal grille that protects the filters. The filter should be accessible to both technicians and homeowners to make it easy to clean and replace.

Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they are able to capture various sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able filter larger particles such as dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filter can capture many kinds of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect normal airflow.