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 of an electric HVAC unit uses propane, oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.

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

Thermostat

A thermostat is among the most important parts of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning off and on the compressor and fan to reach a set temperature, and also turns on the air exchanger to bring fresh air from outside into your home, while venting old, indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermistor. The device contains metals that alter resistance as temperatures change. The thermistor is connected a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into a temperature reading. 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. They are usually in the rooms most often used. The location of a thermostat in your home may affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for instance could show an upper temperature than the actual room temperature. This can cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t operating correctly, you can try setting it again however if this doesn’t fix the problem it is recommended to contact an AC technician for assistance.

If you’re thinking about replacing your thermostat, check out the different options available to you and consider a thermostat that is programmable to help save money on your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your preferences, rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth checking to see if you can find an alternative that will give you more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t functioning as efficiently as it ought to, one of the most frequent causes is your condenser. The condenser is comprised of several parts that must be in sync to 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 malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor moves the refrigerant through the condenser which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool and return to a liquid form. This cooled low-pressure liquid then is redirected back to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until the desired temperature for your business or home is achieved.

To ensure that your condenser runs properly, you should ensure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs, grass and other debris may be sucked into the unit by the condenser fan. This can create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is recommended to keep bushes and trees in good shape so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This will reduce the possibility that berries, branches, or even nuts fall and clog the system. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add two or three years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator circulates warm air inside your home. It is comprised of a string of tubing that is u-shaped and set into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown across these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid becomes a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool the air.

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

The coils are designed with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Both aluminum and copper are used to make Evaporators, each with its own advantages.

One of the most common problems with an evaporator is the accumulation of organic growth. This is usually caused by mold or mildew. If this happens, the bacterium will produce a smell that will spread throughout the home. This can cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it is essential to select an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is important to also consider the working environment. Certain evaporators are designed to withstand harsh environments, while others can be used in moderate environments. In the end, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid guarantee that will protect your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate the hot or cold air throughout your home until the thermostat setting you set is attained. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running at all times for maximum efficiency and to save money on electricity costs. We can replace the fan motor in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is 70% more energy efficient than the previous PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan only operates on high, a short circuit or a broken relay could be preventing your thermostat from adjusting to your fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air in the home before it is heated or cool. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander from getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It protects the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and break down.

Homeowners need to change their filters regularly. The label will inform the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t certain what type of filter they require and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can assist homeowners choose the right filter for their home in light of factors like the climate, the frequency they use their system and even personal factors such as whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers living in the home.

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

Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can filter larger particles such as dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters, on contrary, can capture many different contaminants without limiting normal airflow.