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 system uses propane or oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.
Each room has vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. If possible keep them open to ensure that air circulation is properly distributed throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an important part of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning off and on the fan and compressor to attain a pre-set temperature. It also activates the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside into your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermistor. This device has metals which change resistance as temperatures change. The thermistor, connected to a controller converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats are available in variety of styles that include programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.
Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in rooms that are most often used. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. A thermostat located 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 doesn’t work properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem then contact an AC technician.
If you’re thinking about changing your thermostat, you should check out the different options available for you, and consider a programmable model to reduce your energy costs. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to meet your schedule, rather than having you manually manipulate your HVAC system on a regular basis. It is also worth checking to see if you can find an alternative that will offer you even more savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.
Condenser
Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t functioning as well as it should. The condenser is made up of numerous parts that need to be functioning in harmony for the unit to function. The entire system may be affected if any of these components are damaged or worn out. Condenser problems include a broken control board for the condenser, or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pushed into the condenser, where a fan blows cool air from outside over the coils. This allows the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform to a liquid. The low-pressure liquid is removed and cooled before being moved back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process is repeated until the desired temperature in your home or business is reached.
To ensure that your condenser is operating correctly, you must ensure that the area around it is clean of any debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers, grass and other debris may be taken into the unit by the condenser fan and result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is a good idea to keep the trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t touch the unit. This will reduce the risk that branches, berries, or nuts will fall and block the system. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the lifespan of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the component that allows warm air to enter your home. It is made up of a set of tubing that is u-shaped and placed into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown across these coils. This is a way of transferring heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.
The law of thermodynamics states heat travels from colder to warmer objects. If the evaporator is operating correctly, the heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the warm air. This causes the refrigerant gas to evaporate or boil. In this process, heat that is not measured by thermometers, also known as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.
The coils are designed with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. They are referred to as fins, and expand the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper while others use aluminum, with each material providing its own set advantages.
An evaporator that is afflicted with an accumulation of organic growth is prone to issues. This can be caused by mildew or even mold. If this happens, the bacteria will produce a smell that will spread throughout the home. This could 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 working environment when selecting an evaporator. Some evaporators are built to withstand harsh environments, while others are suited to moderate ones. Also, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator comes with a solid warranty to protect your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate the cold or hot air throughout your home until the thermostat setting you set is attained. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on constant for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electricity bills. If your system’s fan is continuously running, we can replace it with a new ECM blower motor that is up to 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.
If your fan is only running on high, an unbalanced circuit or a malfunctioning relay could be preventing your thermostat settings from reaching the fan.
Filter
Air passes through the filter before it is 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 is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and eventually break down.
homeowners should change their filters regularly. The label will tell them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional if they are unsure of the type of filter they require. A professional can assist them in choosing the right filter for their home based on the climate and how often they use their system, as well as personal factors like the presence of smokers or allergies within the home.
The filter is usually found 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 easily accessible to homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.
Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they can capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters can snag a variety of contaminants without affecting the flow of air.