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 or natural gas to generate heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric system.

Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. It is recommended to keep them open if possible to ensure proper air flow throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial part of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning off and on the fan and compressor to reach a preset temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside into your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermistor. This device has metals that change resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor is connected to an microcontroller that converts changing resistance into an indication of temperature. There are many types of thermostats, including smart and programmable thermostats. They let you monitor and adjust your home’s power consumption.

Thermostats can be placed on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in the rooms most frequently used. The location of a thermostat in your home could affect its accuracy. For instance the thermostat that is located in direct sunlight could read hotter than the actual temperature of the room and cause your system to run too much or not run at all. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, you can try resetting it but if that does not resolve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for assistance.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule, instead of requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system every day. It’s also worth a look to determine if you can locate an alternative that will give you more savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working as well as it should. The condenser unit is made up of many different components that must work in harmony in order for the unit to function. If any of these parts become damaged or wear out, the entire system may be affected. The most common problems found in the condenser are a malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor moves the refrigerant into the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to a liquid state. The liquid that is cooled returns to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated to achieve the desired temperature for your home or office.

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 debris. Leaves, twigs, grass and other debris may be sucked into the unit by the condenser fan and create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is also a good idea to keep trees and bushes in good shape to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This will decrease the chances that berries, nuts or branches will get into the system and cause clogging. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add two or three years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the component that moves warm air into your home. It is comprised of a string of tubing that is shaped like a U and then placed into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This transfers heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid becomes a gas that circulates through the cooling system to cool your air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat moves from colder objects to warmer ones. When the evaporator functions correctly, the energy of heat is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cold air. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into gas. During this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured with thermometers) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils have been designed with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Some evaporators are made of copper while others use aluminum, with each material having its own set of advantages.

A evaporator with a buildup of organic growth is prone to issues. This can be the result of mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacteria may produce a sour smell that spreads throughout the house. This could cause discomfort.

It is essential 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 endure harsh environments, whereas others work well in moderate environments. You will also want to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is covered by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate cool or hot air through your home until the temperature you set is reached. The fan can be turned on auto or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bill. We can replace the fan motor when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more energy efficient than the older PSC motors. It is able to pay for itself over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan only runs on high, the short circuit or malfunctioning relay could be preventing your thermostat from adjusting to the fan.

Filter

The air passes through the filter, before being warmed or cooled, and then circulated throughout the home. It eliminates impurities and stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or even to fail.

The homeowner should change their filters on a regular basis at least every 30 or 90 days, based on the instructions on the label. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional if they are unsure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can help homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home, depending on factors such as temperature, how often they use their system, and even personal factors, like whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers in 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 could be found on the wall, floor, ceiling, or storage closets, and it usually has a large, metal grate that is covered by the filter. The filter should be accessible to both technicians and homeowners for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are assessed based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how efficient they are at capturing various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to remove larger particles such as pet dander and dust mites however it’s not as effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on other hand, can catch a wide range of contaminants without limiting normal airflow.