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 generate heat for the furnace while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric unit.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or wall of every room. If you can keep them open to ensure air is flowing properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is among the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning on and shutting off 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 vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats make use of the thermistor device which is made up of metals that alter electrical resistance as changes in temperature. The thermistor, connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are many types of thermostats including smart and programmed thermostats. They let you monitor and adjust your home’s power consumption.

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

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your current thermostat. You can reduce your energy costs. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system every day. You should also see if there is an energy-efficient model, for instance one that’s ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working properly. The condenser consists of a number of parts that have to cooperate to function. The entire system could be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning control board for the condenser, or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform into a liquid state. This liquid at low pressure is chilled and then transferred back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process continues until the desired temperature in your business or home is reached.

To ensure that your condenser runs correctly, you must ensure that the area surrounding it is free of debris. The condenser’s fan can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, causing obstructions and hindering the cooling system from operating properly. It’s also a good idea to keep trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts, or branches will enter the system and block it. Keep your condenser in good condition to prolong the lifespan of your AC by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the part that moves warm air into 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 over these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool the air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat moves from colder to hot objects. When the evaporator operates correctly, the heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cold air. This causes the refrigerant to vaporize or boil. In this process, heat that cannot be measured by a thermometer, known as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.

These coils have been created with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. Fins are used to increase the surface area of the coils. Some evaporators are made of copper while others make use of aluminum, with each providing its own set advantages.

An evaporator that is afflicted with a buildup of organic growth can be prone to problems. This could be caused by mildew or even mold. If this happens, the bacterium will produce a smell that will spread throughout the home. This could cause discomfort.

To avoid these problems, it is important to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. When choosing an evaporator, it is important to also take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Some are built to withstand harsh conditions while others are suited to moderate environments. Lastly, you will be sure that your evaporator is covered by a solid warranty to safeguard your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate hot or cold air throughout your home until the thermostat you have set is attained. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on constant for maximum efficiency and to save money on electric bills. If your system’s fan is continuously running we can replace it with a new ECM blower motor which is up to 70 percent more efficient than older PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan is running on the high setting, a malfunctioning relay switch or short circuit may be hindering the settings you input on the thermostat from reaching your fan.

Filter

The air passes through the filter before it is heated or cooled before being circulated throughout the home. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens that float in the air. It also ensures that the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and break down.

Homeowners need to replace their filters on a regular basis. The label will tell them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional when they aren’t sure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can assist homeowners choose the right filter for their home based on factors like the climate, the frequency they use their system and even personal preferences, such as whether there are allergy sufferers in the house.

The filter is usually located at the return air duct or, in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is typically placed on the wall, ceiling or floor of the in the utility closet. It typically has a large metal grille that covers the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to both homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which reveals how efficient they are at taking in different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able to catch larger contaminants like dust mites and pet dander, but it’s not very efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters can snag many kinds of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect normal airflow.