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 electric HVAC unit uses propane, oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.
Every room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. If possible keep them open to ensure air circulation is properly distributed throughout your home.
Thermostat
A thermostat is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching off and on the compressor and fan to achieve a specific temperature, and also activates the air exchanger to help bring fresh air from outside into your home while venting old, indoor air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats make use of a device called a thermistor which is made up of metals that change electrical resistance when temperature changes. The thermistor is connected an microcontroller that converts changing resistance into a temperature reading. There are many types of thermostats including smart and programmed thermostats. These allow you to monitor and adjust your home’s energy consumption.
Thermostats are placed on the interior walls of your home, typically in rooms that are used the most. The place of a thermostat within your home may affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for example could show an upper temperature than the actual room temperature. This can cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, you can try reset it however if this does not solve the issue, you should call an AC technician for help.
If you’re thinking of replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the various options available and consider a programmable model to reduce your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust your home’s temperature according to your schedule, rather than having you manually manipulate your HVAC system on a regular basis. You should also check to find out if there’s an efficient model, for instance one that is ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.
Condenser
Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t performing properly. The condenser is made up of many different parts that all need to be working in sync for the unit to function. The entire system could be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. Condenser issues can include a damaged condenser 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 helps the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform into a liquid state. This liquid at low pressure is chilled and then transferred back into the evaporator to continue cooling. The process is repeated until the desired temperature for your home or business is reached.
The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser running correctly is to ensure that the area around it is free of debris. The condenser’s fan can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, creating blockages and preventing the cooling system from working effectively. It is a good idea to keep your trees and shrubs well-trimmed so that they don’t get in the way of the unit. This will reduce the chance that branches, berries or nuts will fall on the system and cause a blockage. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the lifespan of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is a component that allows warm air to enter your home. It is made of a series of u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. The coils are being blown by the air of the blower. This draws heat from the indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes a gas that circulates through the cooling system to cool the air.
The thermodynamics law states that heat moves from colder objects to warmer ones. When the evaporator is operating correctly, this heat energy moves from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process, the heat that cannot be measured with a thermometer, known as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.
These coils have been created with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Copper and aluminum are both utilized to construct evaporators, each with distinct advantages.
One of the most common issues with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be the result of mildew or mold. If this occurs, the bacterium will produce a smell that will spread throughout the home. This could cause discomfort.
It is important to select an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. When choosing an evaporator, it is important to also take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh conditions while others are suited to moderate conditions. In the end, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid warranty that will ensure your investment.
Fan
The blower fan of your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air in your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can be on auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running constant for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electricity bills. If your system’s fan keeps running We can replace it with an ECM blower motor which is up to 70 percent more efficient than older PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the duration of the unit.
If your fan only operates on high, the short circuit or broken relay could be keeping your thermostat settings from reaching your fan.
Filter
The filter is used to circulate the air around the house before it is heated or cooling. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It also protects family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens that float in the air. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or breakdown.
The homeowner should change their filters frequently each 30 days or 90 days, based on the instructions on the label. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure about the kind of filter they require. A professional can assist them in selecting the best filter for their home based on the climate, how much they run their system, and other personal factors like the presence of smokers or allergies in the house.
The filter is located in the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct is typically situated on the ceiling, wall, floor or utility closet. It typically is covered by a large metal grille that covers the filters. Ideally, the filter is accessible to homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they can capture various sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able filter larger particles such as dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters can snag a variety of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect the normal flow of air.
