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 all-electric HVAC unit runs on propane or oil as well as natural gas to heat the furnace.

Each room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. If possible keep them open to ensure air is flowing properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching on and off the compressor and fan until they attain a pre-set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats utilize a device called a thermistor, which has metals that alter the electrical resistance with changes in temperature. The thermistor is connected to a controller converts the resistance change into temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats that include smart and programmed thermostats. These allow you to control and adjust your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are installed on the interior walls of your home, usually in rooms that are most frequently used. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. For instance the thermostat that is located in direct sunlight might read hotter than the actual temperature of the room, causing your system to run too much or not run at all. If your thermostat doesn’t work properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t help then contact an AC technician.

If you’re thinking of replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the various options available and think about the possibility of a programmable thermostat to save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth a look to see if you can find an improved model that could offer you even more energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working properly. The condenser consists of several components that be in sync to make the unit function. The entire system can be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. Condenser issues can include a damaged condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor moves the refrigerant into the condenser, which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to get cool and transform to a liquid. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled returns to the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The process repeats in order to reach the desired temperature for your home or office.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser operating properly is to make sure that the area around it remains free of any debris. The condenser’s fans can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, causing blockages and preventing the cooling system from functioning effectively. It’s also a good idea to keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t get in the way of the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, branches, or nuts could fall and block the system. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the part that allows warm air to enter your home. It is made of a series of u-shaped tubes that are set into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat is transferred from colder to warmer objects. If the evaporator is operating correctly, this heat energy is transferred from warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant gas to evaporate or boil. In this process, 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 specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. They are referred to as fins and expand the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper while others make use of aluminum, with each material offering its own set of advantages.

One of the most frequent issues with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be a result of mildew or mold. If this is the case, the foul smells caused by the bacteria will be circulated throughout the home and can cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it’s essential to select an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the working environment when selecting an evaporator. Some evaporators can withstand harsh environments, while others can be used in moderate environments. Also, you’ll be sure that your evaporator has a solid guarantee that will protect your investment.

Fan

The blower fan of your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air throughout your home until you get to the temperature you want. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bills. We can replace the fan motor when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more energy efficient than the older PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan is only running on high, an unbalanced circuit or a broken relay could be keeping your thermostat from adjusting to the fan.

Filter

Air passes through the filter, before being warmed or cooled, and then circulated around the home. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating internal components. It protects the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. 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 – every 30 or 90 days, based on the directions on the label. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional in case they are not sure of the type of filter they require. A professional can assist homeowners choose the right filter for their home depending on factors such as temperature, how often they use their system and even personal preferences, like whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers in the house.

The filter is located in the return air duct or in some cases the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct is typically situated on the ceiling, wall, floor or in the utility closet. It usually has a large grille made of metal that covers the filters. The filter is accessible to homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are assessed based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how effective they are in taking in different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV will be able to capture larger contaminants such as pet dander or dust mites but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filter can capture a variety of contaminants without affecting normal airflow.