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, or natural gas to heat the furnace.
Every room has vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling, walls or floors. If possible keep them open to ensure that air is flowing properly throughout your home.
Thermostat
A thermostat is among the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by switching off and on the fan and compressor until they achieve a specific temperature, and also activates the air exchanger to help bring fresh air from outside into your home while exchanging stale indoor air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats use an instrument called a thermistor, which has metals that change electrical resistance as changes in temperature. The thermistor is connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into temperature. There are a variety of thermostats including smart and programmed thermostats. They allow you to control and alter your home’s energy consumption.
Thermostats are installed on the interior walls of your home, typically in rooms that are most frequently used. The location of a thermostat inside your home could affect its accuracy. A thermostat 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 functioning properly, you can try setting it again but if that does not resolve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for help.
If you’re thinking about replacing your thermostat, check out the various options available, and consider a programmable model to save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to suit your needs instead of having to manually manipulate your HVAC system on a regular basis. You should also check to determine if there’s an efficient model, like one that’s ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.
Condenser
When your air conditioning isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should, one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser is comprised of several components that work together to make the unit function. If any of these parts get damaged or worn out, the whole system may be affected. The most frequent issues in the condenser are a broken control board or refrigerant leaks.
The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser, where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool and return to a liquid form. This liquid at low pressure is chilled and then transferred back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process is repeated until it reaches the desired temperature for your office or home.
To ensure that your condenser runs properly, you should ensure that the area surrounding it is clean of any debris. Leaves, twigs grass, and other debris can be sucked into the unit by the condenser fan. This can create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is a good idea to keep trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t get in the way of the unit. This will decrease the chances that nuts, berries or branches can enter the system and cause clogging. Keep your condenser clean to extend the life of your AC by a couple of years.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the component that allows warm air to enter your home. It is made of a set of tubing which is u-shaped, and placed into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This is a way of transferring heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool your indoor air.
The thermodynamic law states that heat moves from colder objects to warmer ones. When the evaporator operates properly, the energy is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the warm air. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into a gas. In this process, heat that cannot be measured with thermometers, referred to as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.
These coils have been designed with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. These are known as fins, and increase the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are built using copper while others make use of aluminum, with each material having its own set of advantages.
An evaporator that has an accumulation of organic growth is prone to issues. This can be a result of mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacterium will produce a smell that can spread throughout the house. This can cause discomfort.
To avoid these problems, it is essential to select an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Some evaporators can endure harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate environments. In the end, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator is covered by a solid warranty that will protect your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate the cold or hot air throughout your home until the thermostat setting you set is reached. The fan can be on automatic or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on continuous to maximize efficiency and to cut down on electric bills. If your system’s fan is continuously running, we can replace it with a brand new ECM blower motor that is up to 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.
If your fan only runs on high, the short circuit or broken relay could be keeping your thermostat from adjusting to the fan.
Filter
The filter is used to circulate the air around the house before it is heated or cooling. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating the internal components. It also shields family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens floating 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 breakdown.
homeowners should change their filters frequently each 30 days or 90 days, depending on the directions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t certain what type of filter they require they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in choosing the most appropriate filter for their home based on climate and the amount of time they use their system, and other personal factors like the presence of allergies or smokers in the house.
The filter is typically located at the return air duct or, in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct may be found on the wall, floor or ceiling, or even in the utility closet, and it often contains a large metal grate that is covered by the filter. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.
Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which reveals how well they can capture various sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able take on larger contaminants like dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters, on the contrary, can capture various contaminants without restricting normal airflow.