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. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric system.

Every room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling or walls, or floors. If possible you can keep them open to ensure air flows properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an important element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching on and off the compressor and fan to attain a pre-set temperature. It also activates the exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However older models are available. Digital thermostats utilize a device called a thermistor, which has metals that alter electrical resistance when changes in temperature. The thermistor is linked to an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into an indication of temperature. Thermostats come in a variety of options, including programmable and smart thermostats that allow you to monitor your home’s energy consumption and make adjustments.

Thermostats are installed on the interior walls of your home, typically in rooms where they are used most often. The location of a thermostat inside your home may affect its accuracy. For example, a thermostat located in direct sunlight could appear hotter than the actual temperature of the room, causing your system to overrun or not even run at all. If your thermostat isn’t operating correctly, you can try resetting it however if this does not solve 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 meet your schedule instead of having to manually adjust your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth a look to determine if you can locate a better model that can provide you with even greater energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t performing in the way it should. The condenser unit is comprised of a variety of parts that all need to work in harmony for the unit to work. If any of these parts become damaged or wear out, the whole system may be affected. Condenser issues can include a damaged control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor moves the refrigerant into the condenser, where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to get cool and transform into a liquid state. This cooled low-pressure liquid then is redirected back to the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated until the temperature you want in your home or business is reached.

To ensure that your condenser is operating efficiently, make sure that the area surrounding it is clear of debris. Leaves, twigs grass and other debris could be taken into the unit by the condenser fan and cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It is also a good idea to keep trees and bushes cut back to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This can reduce the possibility that berries, branches, or nuts will fall and block the system. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add two or three years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the component that allows warm air to enter your home. It is made of a series of u-shaped tubes that are set into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown across these coils. This is a way of transferring heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid becomes an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat is transferred from hotter to colder objects. When the evaporator functions properly, the energy is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cool air. This causes the refrigerant gas to boil or evaporate. During this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured using a thermometer) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

The coils are designed with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. Fins are used to increase the surface area of coils. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper, while others are made of aluminum, with each having its own set of advantages.

One of the most common issues with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This is usually caused by mold or mildew. If this occurs, the bacterium may produce a sour smell that can spread throughout the house. This can cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it is essential to select an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to endure harsh environments, whereas others can be used in moderate ones. Also, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator has a solid guarantee that will protect your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat you have set is reached. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on at all times for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electricity bills. If your system’s fan is constantly running We can replace it with a new ECM blower motor, which is up to 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.

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

Filter

Air passes through the filter before being heated or cooled before being circulated throughout the home. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating the internal components. It also protects family members from diseases 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 perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and break down.

Homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis. The label will tell them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure of the type of filter they require. A professional can help them select the most appropriate filter for their home based on climate, how much they run their system, and other personal factors such as the presence of smokers or allergies in the house.

The filter is usually found in the return air duct, or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is normally placed on the wall, ceiling or floor of the in 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 in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they are able to capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV will be able to filter larger particles such as pet dander or dust mites but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on the contrary, are able to capture many different contaminants without restricting normal airflow.