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. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric unit.

Every room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling, walls or floors. You should keep them open to allow the proper circulation of air 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 fan and compressor until they reach a set temperature, and also activates the air exchanger in order to bring 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 use the thermistor device, which has metals that change electrical resistance when changes in temperature. The thermistor is connected an microcontroller that converts changing resistance into the temperature reading. Thermostats are available in a variety of styles that include programmable and smart thermostats that allow you to track your home’s energy usage and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are placed on the walls of your house, typically in rooms that are used most often. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. For instance one thermostat placed in direct sunlight might be more hot than the actual room temperature, causing your system to run too much or not even run at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t help then contact an AC technician.

You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You can save money on energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system every day. It’s also worth a look to see if you can find an improved model that could give you more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should, one of the most common causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser is made up of a variety of parts that need to be functioning in harmony in order for the unit to function. The entire system could be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. The most common issues found in the condenser include a damaged control board or refrigerant leaks.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to a liquid form. This liquid at low pressure is removed and cooled before being returned to the evaporator to continue cooling. The process repeats until it reaches the temperature you want for your home or office.

To ensure that your condenser is operating efficiently, make sure that the area around it is clean of any debris. Leaves, twigs, grass and other debris could be carried 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 the trees and shrubs well-trimmed so that they don’t get in the way of the unit. This will help to minimize the chance that branches, berries or even nuts fall and block the system. The condenser that is free of debris can add two or three years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the thing that is used to move warm air around your home. It is comprised of a series of u-shaped tubes that are set into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown through these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat travels from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator is operating correctly, the energy moves from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant gas to vaporize or boil. During this process, the latent heat (which is not measurable with a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of coils. Both aluminum and copper are used to build some Evaporators, each with their own advantages.

One of the most frequent problems with evaporators is the accumulation of organic growth. This can be the result of mold or mildew. If this is the case, the foul odors produced by the bacteria will be circulated throughout the house and may cause discomfort.

It is essential to choose an evaporator which can be easily maintained and cleaned. It is also recommended to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Some evaporators are built to withstand harsh environments, while others are suited to moderate ones. You should also make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

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

If your fan is operating at the highest setting, a broken 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 cool. It removes impurities and stops dust and pet dander getting into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It safeguards the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or even breakdown.

The homeowner should change their filters frequently at least every 30 or 90 days, depending on the directions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t certain what type of filter they require, they should consult 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 like whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers 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 placed on the ceiling, wall or floor of the utility closet. It typically has a large grille made of metal that protects the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to both technicians and homeowners to make it easy to clean and replace.

Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they can capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to catch larger contaminants like dust mites and pet dander but isn’t very efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters can snag a variety of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect the flow of air.