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 uses propane, oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or on the floor of every room. If you can keep them open to ensure air is flowing properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning off and on the fan and compressor to achieve a set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger in order 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 make use of the thermistor device, which has metals that change electrical resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats are available in variety of styles including programmable and intelligent thermostats that let you monitor your home’s energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms that are most often used. The location of a thermostat inside your home could affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for instance, may show an upper temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This could cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem contact an AC technician.

You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You will reduce your energy costs. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system every day. It is also advisable to determine if there’s an efficient model, such as one that is ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working properly. The condenser is made up of a number of parts that have to work together to make the unit function. If any of these components are damaged or worn out, then the entire system may be affected. The most frequent issues in the condenser are damaged control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas from 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 liquid form. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled returns to 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 properly, you should ensure that the area around it is free of debris. The condenser’s fan could draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, creating clogs and hindering the cooling system from working effectively. It is important to keep bushes and trees trimmed so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts or branches will fall into the system and block it. The condenser that is free of debris can add two or three years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that allows warm air to enter your home. It is made of a series u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This draws heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid becomes an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat moves from colder to hot objects. If the evaporator is operating correctly, this heat energy is transferred from warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. The refrigerant gas causes to vaporize or boil. During this process, the heat that is not measured using a thermometer, known as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

The coils are designed with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Both aluminum and copper are used to make Evaporators, each with distinct advantages.

A evaporator with a buildup of organic growth can be prone to problems. This can be a 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 essential to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is crucial to consider the working environment. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh conditions while others are suited to moderate conditions. In the end, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator has a solid guarantee that will protect your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate cold or hot air throughout your home until the temperature you set is reached. 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 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors. It is able to pay for itself over the life of the unit.

If your fan only runs on high, an unbalanced circuit or a malfunctioning relay could be preventing your thermostat from adjusting to your fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate the air throughout the house before it is heated or cool. It removes impurities, and prevents dust and pet dander from entering into the system and contaminating internal components. It also protects family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and ultimately break down.

The homeowner should change their filters regularly each 30 or 90 days, based on the instructions on the label. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure of the type of filter they require. A professional can help homeowners select the best filter for their home in light of factors like the climate, the frequency they use their system, and even personal factors, like whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers living in the home.

The filter is situated in the return air duct or in certain cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct can be found on the floor, wall, ceiling, or utility closet, and it typically has a large metal grate that covers the filter. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians to facilitate 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 filter with a low MERV will be able to capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture various contaminants, but it doesn’t affect the flow of air.