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, oil 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 situated on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. If you can, keep them open to ensure that air is flowing properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by turning on and off the compressor and fan until they achieve a specific temperature. It also activates the air exchanger to bring fresh air from outside into your home, while venting stale, indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats use a device called a thermistor made of metals that alter the electrical resistance when changes in temperature. The thermistor, connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are many types of thermostats that include smart and programmable thermostats. They allow you to control and alter your home’s energy consumption.

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

If you’re thinking about replacing your thermostat, check out the various options available for you and think about the possibility of a programmable thermostat to reduce your energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to meet your schedule instead of having to manually adjust your HVAC system on a regular basis. It is also worth checking to see if you can find a better model that can offer you even more energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it should. The condenser unit is made up of many different components that must be working in sync in order for the unit to function. If any of these parts are damaged or worn out, the whole system can be impacted. The most frequent issues in the condenser are a broken control board or refrigerant leaks.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser, which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform to a liquid. The low-pressure liquid is removed and cooled before being transferred back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until the desired temperature in your business or home is reached.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser working effectively is to ensure that the area around it remains clear of debris. The condenser’s fan could pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, causing obstructions and hindering the cooling system from functioning properly. It’s also a good idea to keep the trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, branches, or nuts could fall on the system and cause a blockage. The condenser that is free of debris can add two or three years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator circulates warm air inside your home. It is made up of a set of tubing that is u-shaped and placed 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 is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat moves from hotter to colder objects. When the evaporator operates correctly, the energy of heat is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cold air. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into a gas. During this process the latent heat (which is not measurable with a thermometer) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are designed with special structures that enhance the transfer of heat. These are also known as fins and increase the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both utilized to construct evaporators, each with its own advantages.

An evaporator that has a buildup of organic growth is susceptible to issues. This could be caused by mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacterium may produce a sour smell that spreads throughout the house. This could cause discomfort.

It is important to select an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When choosing an evaporator, it is essential to consider the working environment. Some are designed to withstand harsh conditions, while others can be used in moderate environments. You should also make sure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty which will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

The blower fan of your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air in your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bills. If your system’s fan is constantly running We can replace it with a brand new ECM blower motor, which is up to 70 percent more efficient than older PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the duration 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

The filter is used to circulate the air in the home before it is heated or cooled. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating the internal components. It protects the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and ultimately break down.

Homeowners should replace their filters regularly each 30 days or 90 days, depending on the instructions on the label. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional in case they are not sure of the type of filter they need. A professional can help them select the right filter for their home based on climate, how much they run their system, as well as personal factors like the presence of allergies or smokers within the home.

The filter is usually located at the return air duct or, in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct could be found on the wall, floor, ceiling, or utility closet, and it usually has a large, metal grate that is covered by the filter. The filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how efficient they are at taking in different sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to capture larger contaminants such as pet dander and dust mites but isn’t very effective at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters can snag a variety of contaminants without affecting the flow of air.