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

Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or floors. They should be kept open if possible to ensure the proper circulation of air throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning on and off the compressor and fan until they attain a certain temperature, and it also activates the air exchanger to help bring fresh air from outside into your home, while venting stale, indoor air out through your ductwork.

Most thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats use a device called a thermistor which is made up of metals that alter the electrical resistance with temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a controller converts the resistance change into temperature. There are many types of thermostats, including smart and programmable thermostats. These allow you to control and adjust your home’s power consumption.

Thermostats are installed on the walls of your home, typically in rooms that are used the most. The location of a thermostat inside your home may affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for instance, may show an upper temperature than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try resetting it but if that doesn’t fix the problem then you should contact an AC technician for help.

If you’re thinking about replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the various options available for you, and consider a programmable model to save money on your energy costs. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule rather than requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system each day. It’s also worth checking to determine if you can locate an improved model that could provide you with even greater energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it should. The condenser is made up of a variety of parts that all need to be functioning in harmony for the unit to work. The entire system may be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. The most common problems found in the condenser include a malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser where the fan blows cool air from outside over the coils. This helps the refrigerant cool down and convert back to a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled moves back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process repeats until it reaches the temperature you desire for your office or home.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser running properly is to make sure that the area around it stays free of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers grass and other debris may be taken into the unit by the condenser fan. This can result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is important to keep the bushes and trees in good shape so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This reduces the likelihood that berries, nuts, or branches fall into the system and block it. Keep your condenser clean to prolong the life of your AC by a minimum of 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the thing that moves warm air in your home. It is made of a series of tubes that are set into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown across these coils. This transfer heat from the indoor atmosphere 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 that heat is transferred from colder to warmer objects. If the evaporator is operating correctly, this heat energy moves from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil 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 created with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. These are known as fins, and expand the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Aluminum and copper are both utilized to construct evaporators, each with its own advantages.

One of the most common issues with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be caused by mold or mildew. If this is the case, the sour smells caused by the bacteria will be spread throughout the house and may cause discomfort.

It is crucial to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is essential to consider the working environment. Some evaporators can withstand harsh environments, while others can be used in moderate environments. Also, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator is covered by a solid warranty that will safeguard your investment.

Fan

The fan in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air through your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on at all times for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electricity bills. If your system’s fan keeps running we can replace it with a new ECM blower motor, which is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the life of the unit.

If your fan only operates on high, an unbalanced circuit or a broken relay could be preventing the thermostat settings from reaching your fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate the air throughout the house before it is heated or cooled. It removes impurities and stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It also protects family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and ultimately break down.

Homeowners need to change their filters on a regular basis. The label will tell the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t sure which kind of filter they should use and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in choosing the right filter for their home based on the climate and how often they use their system, and personal factors like the presence of smokers or allergies within the home.

The filter is usually found in the return air duct or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is typically located on the wall, ceiling or floor of the utility closet. It usually has a large metal grille that protects the filters. The filter is accessible to homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

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