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 makes use of propane or natural gas to create heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric unit.

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

Thermostat

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

The majority of thermostats are digital however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats utilize a device called a thermistor, which has metals that change electrical resistance with changes in temperature. The thermistor is connected to a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into an indication of temperature. Thermostats come in a range of models including programmable and intelligent thermostats that allow you to monitor your home energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are installed on the interior walls of your house, typically in rooms where they are used the most. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for example it could display more heat than the actual temperature of the room. This could cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem, call an AC technician.

Consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You will save money on energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule, instead of needing you to manually operate your HVAC system every day. You should also check to determine if there’s a more efficient model, such as one that’s ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t performing in the way it should. The condenser consists of several components that cooperate to make the unit function. The entire system may be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. The most frequent issues in the condenser are damaged control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser where the fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant to get cool and transform to a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid is cooled and returned to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process is repeated until the desired temperature in your business or home is achieved.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser operating correctly is to ensure that the area around it stays free of debris. Leaves, twigs grass and other debris may be sucked into the unit by the condenser fan and cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It is important to keep trees and bushes in good shape to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This will reduce the risk that branches, berries, or even nuts fall and clog the system. The condenser that is free of debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is used to move warm air around your home. It is made of a string of tubing that is u-shaped, and set into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool the air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat is transferred from colder to hot objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the heat energy is transferred from warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into a gas. During this process, the heat that cannot be measured with a thermometer, known as latent heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils have been designed with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. They are referred to as fins, and increase the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are made of copper, while others are made of aluminum, with each offering its own set of advantages.

An evaporator that is afflicted with a buildup of organic growth is prone to issues. This can be the result of mold or mildew. If this is the case, the sour smells caused by the bacteria can be absorbed by the home and can cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it is essential to select an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When choosing an evaporator, it is essential to take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Some are built to withstand harsh environments, whereas others can be used in moderate environments. You will also want to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is covered by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

The blower fan of your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air in your home until you get to the temperature you want. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bills. We could replace the fan motor when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more efficient than the previous PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate the air in the home before it is heated or cool. It eliminates impurities and prevents 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 the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and eventually break down.

homeowners should change their filters regularly each 30 or 90 days, depending on the instructions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t sure which type of filter they require, they should consult an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in choosing the right filter for their home based on the climate, how much they run their system, as well as personal factors like the presence of allergy sufferers or smokers within the home.

The filter is usually found at the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is usually located on the wall, ceiling, floor or storage closets. It typically is covered by a large metal grille that covers the filters. The filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how effective they are in capturing various sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to catch larger contaminants like pet dander and dust mites, but it’s not very effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on other hand, can catch a wide range of contaminants without limiting airflow.