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 is powered by propane or natural gas to generate heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric unit.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or on the floor of each room. If possible keep them open to ensure that air flows properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential part of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning on and off the fan and compressor until they achieve a specific temperature, and it also switches on the air exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside into your home, while exchanging stale indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats use a device called a thermistor made of metals that alter the electrical resistance as changes in temperature. The thermistor, connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into a temperature. Thermostats come in a range of models that include programmable and smart thermostats that allow you to monitor your home energy consumption and make adjustments.

Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior. They are usually in rooms that are most frequently used. The location of a thermostat in your home could affect its accuracy. For example the thermostat that is located in direct sunlight might be more hot than the actual temperature of the room which can cause your system to run too much or not run at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, you can try reset 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 will save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust your home’s temperature according to your schedule instead of having to manually alter your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth checking to see if you can find an alternative that will give you more savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t working as efficiently as it should, one of the most frequent causes is your condenser. The condenser is made up of a number of parts that have to work together to function. If any of these parts get damaged or worn out, the whole system may be affected. Condenser problems include a broken condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pumped into the condenser, where the 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 returned to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until the desired temperature for your home or business is reached.

To ensure that your condenser is operating correctly, you must ensure that the area surrounding it is clean of any debris. The condenser’s fan can draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, creating obstructions and hindering the cooling system from operating effectively. It’s a good idea also to keep the trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will help to minimize the risk that berries, branches, or nuts will fall on the system and cause a blockage. The condenser that is free of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator circulates warm air inside your home. It is made of a series of u-shaped tubes that are set into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This is a way of transferring heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat is transferred from hotter to colder objects. When the evaporator is operating correctly, this heat energy is transferred from warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into gas. In this process, heat that is not measured by a thermometer, known as latent heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils have been created with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. These are known as fins, and they increase the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Both aluminum and copper are used to build some Evaporators, each with its own advantages.

One of the most frequent problems with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be the result of mold or mildew. If this happens, the bacteria may produce a sour smell that will spread throughout the home. This can cause discomfort.

It is important to select an evaporator that can be easily maintained and cleaned. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some are designed to withstand harsh conditions, while others can work well in moderate environments. In the end, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator has a solid warranty to ensure your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate the hot or cold air throughout your home until the thermostat you set is attained. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bill. If your system’s fan is constantly running, we can replace it with a brand new ECM blower motor, which is up to 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the duration of the unit.

If your fan is only operating at the high setting, a broken relay switch or short circuit may be blocking the settings you set on the thermostat from reaching your fan.

Filter

Air passes through the filter before it is heated or cooled before being circulated throughout the home. It removes impurities, and also stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It safeguards the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and may cause it overheat or breakdown.

homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis. The label will inform them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional if they are unsure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can assist them in choosing the most appropriate filter for their home based on the climate, how much they run their system, as well as personal factors like the presence of smokers or allergies within the home.

The filter is located in the return air duct or in certain cases, the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct is typically situated on the wall, ceiling, floor or storage closets. It usually has a large grille made of metal that protects the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how effective they are at collecting different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to remove larger particles such as pet dander and dust mites but isn’t very efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture a variety of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect the flow of air.