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 in an all-electric HVAC unit runs on propane or oil as well as natural gas to heat the furnace.
Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or on the floor of each room. If possible, keep them open to ensure air is flowing properly throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an important part of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning off and on the compressor and fan to achieve a set temperature. It also activates the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside into your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital, although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats utilize a device called a thermistor, which has metals that alter electrical resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats, including smart and programmed thermostats. They allow you to monitor and adjust your home’s power consumption.
Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms most often used. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for example, may show an upper temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This can cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try reset it but if that does not resolve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for assistance.
If you’re thinking of replacing your thermostat, check out the various options available for you, and consider a programmable model to save money on your energy costs. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to meet your schedule instead of having you manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. You should also check to see if there is an efficient model, like one that is ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.
Condenser
If your air conditioner isn’t functioning as efficiently as it is supposed to one of the most frequent causes is your condenser. The condenser is made up of a variety of parts that need to work in harmony for the unit to work. If any of these components are damaged or worn out, the entire system may be affected. The most common issues found in the condenser are malfunctioning control board or refrigerant leaks.
The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pushed into the condenser, where fans blow cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool and return to liquid form. This liquid at low pressure is cooled and returned to the evaporator to continue cooling. The cycle is repeated until the desired temperature for your business or home is reached.
The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser operating effectively is to ensure that the area around it is free of any debris. The condenser’s fans can draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, causing clogs and hindering the cooling system from functioning effectively. It’s also a good idea to keep your trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t get in the way of the unit. This reduces the likelihood that nuts, berries or branches fall into the system and block it. 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 up of a set of tubing which is shaped like a U and then set into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. 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 flows from hotter to colder objects. If the evaporator operates properly, the heat energy passes from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to evaporate or boil. During this process, the heat that is not measured with thermometers, referred to as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.
The coils are designed with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. These are also known as fins and expand the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper while others make use of aluminum, with each offering its own set of advantages.
One of the most common issues with an evaporator is the accumulation of organic growth. This is usually caused by mold or mildew. If this is the case, the unpleasant smells that the bacteria produce will be circulated throughout the house and could cause discomfort.
It is important to select an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is important to also take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Certain evaporators are designed to stand up to harsh conditions, while others work well in moderate environments. You should also make sure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.
Fan
The fan in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air throughout your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bill. We can replace the motor of the fan in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is up to 70% more energy efficient than the older PSC motors. It will pay for itself over the lifetime of the unit.
If your fan is only operating at the high setting, a malfunctioning relay switch or short circuit could be hindering the settings you input on the thermostat from reaching the fan.
Filter
Air passes through the filter before it is heated or cooled before being circulated around the house. It removes impurities, and stops dust and pet dander from entering into the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and ultimately break down.
The homeowner should change their filters frequently – every 30 days or 90 days, based on the instructions on the label. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can assist them in selecting the right filter for their home based on the climate, how much they run their system, and other personal factors such as the presence of allergy sufferers or smokers within 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 can be located on the floor, wall, ceiling, or in the utility closet. It typically has a large metal grate that covers the filter. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
Filters are assessed based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how efficient they are at capturing various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can filter larger particles such as dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters can snag many kinds of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect normal airflow.
