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 runs on propane or oil as well as natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.

Each room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling, walls or floors. You should keep them open if possible to ensure the proper circulation of air throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is among the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by switching off and on the compressor and fan to achieve a specific temperature. It also activates the air exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside into your home, while exchanging stale indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermosistor. The device contains metals which change resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor is linked to an microcontroller that converts changing resistance into a temperature reading. There are various kinds of thermostats, including smart and programmed thermostats. They allow you to control and adjust your home’s power consumption.

Thermostats are located on the walls of your home, typically in rooms that are used most often. The location of a thermostat in your home can affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for example, may show a higher temperature than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work then contact an AC technician.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You’ll save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system each day. It is also advisable to find out if there’s an efficient model, like one that’s ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.

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 unit is comprised of a variety of parts that all need to be functioning in harmony for the unit to work. If any of these parts get damaged or worn out, the entire system can be impacted. Condenser problems include a broken control board for the condenser 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 get cool and transform to a liquid. The liquid that is cooled moves back into the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The process continues until the temperature you want in your business or home is reached.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser working effectively is to ensure that the area around it remains free of any debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers, grass and other debris could be taken into the unit by the condenser fan. This can cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It’s a good idea also to keep your trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t touch the unit. This can reduce the risk that berries, branches, or nuts could fall and clog the system. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is used to move warm air around your home. It is comprised of a string of tubing which is u-shaped, and set into panels. The coils are being blown by the air of the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat moves from hotter to colder objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the heat energy passes from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant to evaporate or boil. In this process, heat that cannot be measured using thermometers, referred to as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.

The coils are made with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. These are also known as fins, and expand the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Aluminum and copper are both used to build some evaporators, each having distinct advantages.

An evaporator that is afflicted with an accumulation of organic growth is prone to issues. This could be the result of mildew or mold. If this occurs, the bacterium may produce a sour smell that spreads throughout the home. This may cause discomfort.

It is essential to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is important to also consider the working environment. Some evaporators can stand up to harsh conditions, while others are suited to moderate environments. Also, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator is covered by a solid warranty to protect your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat you set is attained. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bill. If your system’s fan keeps running, we can replace it with an ECM blower motor, which is up to 70 percent more efficient than the 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 hindering the settings you input on the thermostat from reaching the fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate the air throughout the house before it is heated or cooling. It removes impurities and also stops dust and pet dander from entering into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It protects the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and ultimately break down.

Homeowners need to replace their filters on a regular basis. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t sure which kind of filter they should use and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can assist homeowners select the best filter for their home, in light of factors like the climate, the frequency they use their system, and even personal factors, for instance, whether there are allergy sufferers living in the home.

The filter is typically located in the return air duct, or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct could be located on the floor, wall or ceiling, or even in the in the utility closet. It often contains a large metal grate that is covered by the filter. The filter should be accessible to both technicians and homeowners to make it easy to clean and replace.

Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which reveals how well they can capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to catch larger contaminants like pet dander and dust mites however it’s not as effective at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters can snag various contaminants, but it doesn’t affect normal airflow.