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, while 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 on floors. You should keep them open if possible to ensure the proper circulation of air throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching off and on the fan and compressor until they reach a set temperature, and it also turns on the air exchanger in order to pull fresh, outside air into your home while venting old, indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital, however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats make use of a device called a thermistor which is made up of metals that change electrical resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into a temperature. Thermostats come in a range of models including programmable and intelligent thermostats that let you track your home’s energy usage and make adjustments.

Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in rooms that are most often used. The location of a thermostat inside your home can affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for instance could show more heat than the actual room temperature. This can cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t operating correctly, try resetting it but if that does not solve the issue then you should contact an AC technician for assistance.

Consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You can save money on your energy bills. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule rather than requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. You should also check to see if there is an energy-efficient model, for instance one that’s ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should, one of the most common causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser is made up of several parts that must cooperate to function. The entire system can be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most frequent issues in the condenser include a broken control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor moves the refrigerant into the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to cool down and convert back to a liquid. This low-pressure liquid is then cooled and returned to the evaporator to continue cooling. The process continues until the temperature you want in your home or business is achieved.

To ensure that your condenser runs properly, you should ensure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers grass, and other debris can be taken into the unit by the condenser’s fan and create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is a good idea to keep the trees and shrubs well-trimmed so that they don’t touch the unit. This will reduce the risk that berries, branches, or nuts will fall and block the system. Keep your condenser in good condition to prolong the life of your AC system by a couple of years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the component that circulates warm air into your home. It is made of a series of tubes that are set into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool your indoor air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat moves from colder objects to warmer ones. When the evaporator operates correctly, the energy of heat is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the warm air. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into gas. During this process the latent heat (which cannot be measured with thermometers) is transferred from air to 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. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper, while others are made of aluminum, each providing its own set advantages.

One of the most common problems with evaporators is an accumulation of organic growth. This is usually caused by mildew or even mold. If this is the case, the foul smells caused by the bacteria can be absorbed by the house and could cause discomfort.

It is essential to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Some are built to withstand harsh conditions while others can work well in moderate conditions. In the end, you’ll be sure that your evaporator is covered by a solid guarantee that will safeguard your investment.

Fan

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

If your fan only runs on high, a short circuit or a broken relay could be preventing your thermostat settings from reaching the fan.

Filter

Air passes through the filter, before being warmed or cooled and circulated throughout the home. It removes impurities, and prevents dust and pet dander from getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It also shields family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens that float in the air. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or to fail.

homeowners should change their filters regularly. The label will tell the homeowner if they should replace 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 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 sufferers in the house.

The filter is usually found in the return air duct or, in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct can be located on the floor, wall or ceiling, or even in the storage closets, and it often contains a large metal grate which covers the filter. The filter should be easily accessible to both technicians and homeowners for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they are able to capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV will be able to filter larger particles such as dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters on the other hand, can catch many different contaminants without restricting normal airflow.