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 is powered by propane, oil or natural gas to generate heat for the furnace while electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric unit.

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

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential element of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by switching off and on the compressor and fan until they attain a certain temperature. It also turns on the air exchanger to pull fresh, outside air into your home, while venting old, indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats make use of the thermistor device made of metals that change electrical resistance as temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is connected to an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into the temperature reading. Thermostats come in a variety of options, including programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and make adjustments.

Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in rooms that are most frequently used. The place of a thermostat within your home could affect its accuracy. For instance one thermostat placed in direct sunlight could be more hot than the actual temperature of the room, causing your system to overrun or not even run at all. If your thermostat isn’t working properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem, call an AC technician.

If you’re thinking of changing your thermostat, you should check out the various options available to you and think about the possibility of a programmable thermostat to reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule, instead of having to manually adjust your HVAC system every day. It’s also worth checking to determine if you can locate an improved model that could give you more savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t performing as well as it is supposed to one of the most frequent causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser is made up of several parts that must be in sync to make the unit function. The entire system may be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. Condenser issues can include a damaged condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser, where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant reduce its temperature and then transform to a liquid. This low-pressure liquid is then removed and cooled before being returned to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated in order to reach the temperature you want for your office or home.

To ensure that your condenser is operating correctly, you must 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 blockages and preventing the cooling system from functioning properly. It is a good idea to keep your trees and shrubs well-trimmed so that they don’t get in the way of the unit. This will help to minimize the risk that berries, branches, or even nuts fall and block the system. The condenser that is free of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the component that moves warm air into your home. It is constructed of a series of tubes that are arranged into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This transfer heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system to cool your indoor air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat is transferred from colder to hot objects. If the evaporator is operating correctly, the energy of heat is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cold air. The refrigerant gas causes to vaporize or boil. During this process the latent heat (which is not measurable with a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

These coils have been created with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Some evaporators are built using copper while others make use of aluminum, with each having its own set of advantages.

An evaporator that is afflicted with an accumulation of organic growth can be prone to problems. This could be caused by mildew or even mold. If this is the case, the unpleasant smells caused by the bacteria will be circulated throughout the house and may cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it is essential to select an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some are designed to withstand harsh environments, whereas others can work well in moderate conditions. In the end, you’ll be sure that your evaporator is covered by a solid warranty that will ensure your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air through your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and save money on your electric bills. If your system’s fan keeps running, we can replace it with a brand new ECM blower motor, which is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the duration of the unit.

If your fan is operating at the highest setting, a malfunctioning relay switch or short circuit could be blocking the settings you set on the thermostat from reaching the fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air throughout the house before it is heated or cooled. It removes impurities, and stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It also protects family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or to fail.

Homeowners need to change their filters regularly. The label will tell them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t sure which kind of filter they need they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners choose the right filter for their home based on factors like the climate, the frequency they use their system, and even personal factors like whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers 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 is usually located on the ceiling, wall or floor, or in the utility closet. It often has a large metal grille that protects the filters. The filter should be accessible to both homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they can capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able to capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander however it’s not as effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on the contrary, are able to capture many different contaminants without restricting normal airflow.