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 as well as natural gas to heat the furnace.

Each room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling, walls or floors. If you can, keep them open to ensure that air circulation is properly distributed throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is among the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching off and on the compressor and fan until they attain a certain temperature. It also activates the air exchanger to help bring fresh air from outside into your home while venting stale, indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However older models are available. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermosistor. The device is made of metals which change resistance as temperatures change. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller converts the resistance change into temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats that include smart and programmable thermostats. They let you monitor and alter your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are located on the walls of your home, typically in rooms where they are most frequently used. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for example could show a higher temperature than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t operating correctly, try resetting it however if this doesn’t fix the problem, you should call an AC technician for assistance.

Consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule, instead of having to manually adjust your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also advisable to see if there is an energy-efficient model, such as one that’s ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t working as efficiently as it should, one of the most frequent causes is your condenser. The condenser is comprised of several components that work together to function. If any of these components are damaged or worn out, the whole system can be impacted. The most common problems found in the condenser are broken control board or refrigerant leaks.

The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pushed into the condenser, where a fan blows cool air from outside over the coils. This helps the refrigerant reduce its temperature and then transform into a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid is chilled and then transferred back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process repeats in order to reach the temperature you desire for your home or office.

To keep your condenser running properly, you should ensure that the area surrounding it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers, grass, and other debris can be sucked into the unit by the condenser fan and create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s a good idea also to keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t touch the unit. This can reduce the possibility that berries, branches, or nuts will fall and clog the system. Clean your condenser to extend the lifespan of your AC by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that allows warm air to enter your home. It is comprised of a string of tubing that is u-shaped, and placed into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown across these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool your indoor air.

The thermodynamic law states that heat moves from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator functions properly, the energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the warm air. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into a gas. In this process, heat that is not measured by thermometers, also known as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. They are referred to as fins, and increase the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are built using copper while others make use of aluminum, with each material providing its own set advantages.

One of the most common problems with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This could be caused by mildew or even mold. If this is the case, the foul odors produced by the bacteria can be absorbed by the house and could cause discomfort.

To avoid these problems, it is important to choose an evaporator that can be 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 designed to withstand harsh conditions while others can work well in moderate conditions. You should also ensure that your evaporator is covered by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate hot or cold air throughout your home until the temperature you have set is attained. The fan can be on auto or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bills. We can replace the fan motor in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is up to 70 percent more energy efficient than the old PSC motors. It is able to pay for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

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

Filter

Air passes through the filter before it is warmed or cooled and circulated around the house. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It protects the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and could cause it overheat or to fail.

homeowners should change their filters frequently – every 30 days or 90 days, based on the directions on the label. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional if they are unsure about the kind of filter they require. A professional can assist them in selecting the best filter for their home based on climate and how often they use their system, and other personal factors such as the presence of allergy sufferers or smokers in the house.

The filter is usually found at the return air duct, or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct could be located on the wall, floor or ceiling, or even in the in the utility closet. It usually has a large, metal grate which covers the filter. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians to aid in cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how effective they are at collecting different sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander however it’s not as effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on other hand, can catch a wide range of contaminants without limiting normal airflow.