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 is powered by propane or natural gas, or oil to generate heat for the furnace, while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric system.

Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. It is recommended to keep them open to allow the proper circulation of air throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning on and shutting off the compressor and fan until they achieve a set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermostat. This device has metals that change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats, including smart and programmed thermostats. They let you control and adjust your home’s power consumption.

Thermostats are installed on the walls of your house, typically in rooms that are used the most. The location of a thermostat inside your home may affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for example it could display an upper temperature than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting your device. If this doesn’t work contact an AC technician.

If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, check out the different options available and consider a programmable model to reduce your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system every day. You should also check to determine if there’s an energy-efficient model, for instance one that’s ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working properly. The condenser unit is made up of a variety of components that must work in harmony for the unit to function. The entire system can be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. Condenser problems include a broken control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.

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 state. The liquid that is cooled moves back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process is repeated until the temperature you want in your home or business is reached.

To ensure that your condenser is operating properly, you should ensure that the area around it is clear of debris. The condenser’s fans can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, creating clogs and hindering the cooling system from operating efficiently. It’s important to keep trees and bushes cut back to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts or branches enter the system and block it. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add two or three years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the thing that moves warm air in your home. It is constructed of a series u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This transfers heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid becomes an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool the air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat moves from hotter to colder objects. When the evaporator functions correctly, the heat energy is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cool air. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process the latent heat (which cannot be measured using a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with special structures that enhance the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of the coils. Aluminum and copper are both used to build some Evaporators, each with distinct advantages.

An evaporator that has an accumulation of organic growth is susceptible to problems. This can be a result of mold or mildew. If this is the case, the foul smells that the bacteria produce will be circulated throughout the home and can cause discomfort.

It is important to select an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is essential to consider the working environment. Some are designed to withstand harsh conditions while others can work well in moderate conditions. You will also want to ensure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty which will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

The fan in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air through your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bill. If your system’s fan is constantly running, we can replace it with a brand new 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 lifetime of the unit.

If your fan is only running on high, the short circuit or malfunctioning relay could be preventing your thermostat from adjusting to your fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air throughout the house before it is heated or cooled. It removes impurities and stops dust and pet dander getting into the system to contaminate 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 operating efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or breakdown.

Homeowners need to change their filters on a regular basis. The label will inform them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t sure what kind of filter they need they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in selecting the most appropriate filter for their home based on climate and how often they use their system, and personal factors such as the presence of smokers or allergies in the house.

The filter is located in the return air duct, or in certain cases, the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct is typically situated on the ceiling, wall or floor of the storage closets. It typically is covered by a large metal grille that covers the filters. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and service technicians to aid in cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how effective they are in taking in different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV will be able to take on larger contaminants like pet dander or dust mites but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on other hand, can catch many different contaminants without restricting normal airflow.