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 or oil as well as natural gas to heat the furnace.

Each 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

A thermostat is among the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by switching on and off the compressor and fan to reach a preset temperature. It also activates the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats make use of the thermistor device, which has metals that alter the electrical resistance with changes in temperature. The thermistor is linked to an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into the temperature reading. There are a variety of thermostats that include smart and programmed thermostats. They let you control and alter your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are placed on the interior walls of your house, typically in rooms that are used the most. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for instance could show an upper temperature than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t operating properly, you can try reset it however if this doesn’t fix the problem, you should call an AC technician for assistance.

If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, check out the various options available for you, and consider a programmable model to save money on your energy costs. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system each day. 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 STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t functioning as efficiently as it is supposed to one of the most frequent causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser unit is made up of a variety of parts that all need to be functioning in harmony in order for the unit to function. If any of these parts get damaged or worn out, then the entire system may be affected. Condenser problems include a broken condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pushed into the condenser where the fan blows cool air from outside over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool and return to a liquid form. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled moves back into the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The cycle is repeated in order to reach the temperature you desire for your home or office.

To ensure that your condenser is operating efficiently, make sure that the area surrounding it is clear of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers grass and other debris could be carried into the unit by the condenser fan. This can create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is recommended to keep trees and bushes in good shape so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This can reduce the chance that branches, berries, or even nuts fall and block the system. The condenser that is free of debris can add two or three years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the thing that circulates warm air inside your home. It is constructed of a series of u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This transfer heat from the indoor environment to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat moves from colder to hot objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the 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 is not measurable with thermometers) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with special structures that enhance the transfer of heat. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Both aluminum and copper are used to make evaporators, each with distinct advantages.

One of the most common problems with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be the result of mildew or mold. If this is the case, the foul smells caused by the bacteria can be absorbed by the home and can cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it is important to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to withstand harsh environments, while others work well in moderate environments. Also, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid warranty that will safeguard your investment.

Fan

The fan in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air throughout your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be on auto or continuous. We suggest 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 an 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 is only running on high, a short circuit or a malfunctioning relay could be preventing your thermostat from adjusting to the fan.

Filter

Air flows through the filter, before being warmed or cooled, and then circulated around the home. It removes impurities, and also stops dust and pet dander from entering into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It safeguards the family members from illnesses caused by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and may cause it overheat or breakdown.

The homeowner should change their filters on a regular basis each 30 or 90 days, based on the label instructions. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional if they are unsure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can help homeowners choose the right filter for their home depending on factors such as temperature, how often they use their system, and even personal preferences, such as whether there are allergy sufferers living in the home.

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

Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which reveals how well they capture different sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able capture larger contaminants such as dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filter can capture many kinds of contaminants without affecting the normal flow of air.