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 all-electric HVAC system uses propane or oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.

Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling or wall of every room. If you can keep them open to ensure air flows properly 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 switching on and off the compressor and fan until they reach a preset temperature. It also turns on 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 however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermosistor. The device is made of metals that change resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor is connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats that include smart and programmable thermostats. They allow you to control and adjust your home’s power consumption.

Thermostats are located on the interior walls of your home, typically in rooms where they are used the most. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. For instance, a thermostat located in direct sunlight could be more hot than the actual temperature of the room, causing your system to overrun or not even run at all. If your thermostat doesn’t work correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem then contact an AC technician.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule, instead of requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system each day. It’s also worth checking to determine if you can locate a better model that can give you more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it is supposed to one of the most common causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser consists of several components that cooperate to function. If any of these components get damaged or worn out, the entire system can be impacted. Condenser issues can include a damaged control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser, where the fan blows cool air from outside over the coils. This allows the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform into a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid is chilled and then returned to the evaporator to continue cooling. The process continues until the desired temperature for your home or business is reached.

To ensure that your condenser is operating properly, you should ensure that the area around it is free of debris. The condenser’s fans can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, creating obstructions and hindering the cooling system from working properly. It’s also a good idea to keep the trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts or branches can fall into 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 part that circulates warm air into your home. It is made up of a string of tubing which is u-shaped and set into panels. The coils are being blown by the air of the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool your indoor air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat is transferred from colder to hot objects. If the evaporator operates correctly, the energy moves from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process, the heat that is not measured using a thermometer, known as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

The coils are designed with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of the coils. Copper and aluminum are both utilized to construct Evaporators, each with its own advantages.

A evaporator with an accumulation of organic growth can be prone to problems. This can be the result of mold or mildew. If this is the case, the unpleasant smells caused by the bacteria will be circulated throughout the house and could cause discomfort.

It is crucial to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to endure harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate ones. You will also want to ensure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air through your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bill. If your system’s fan is continuously running we can replace it with an ECM blower motor, which is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the life of the unit.

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

Filter

Air flows through the filter before being warmed or cooled, and then circulated around the home. It removes impurities, and stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It shields the family members from illnesses caused by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or to fail.

Homeowners need to change their filters regularly. The label will tell them whether 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 consult an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners select the best filter for their home, in light of factors like climate, how often they use their system, and even personal preferences, for instance, whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers in the house.

The filter is situated in the return air duct, or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct may be found on the wall, floor or ceiling, or even in the in the utility closet. It typically has a large metal grate that is covered by the filter. Ideally, the filter is accessible to homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which reveals how well they are able to capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can capture larger contaminants such as dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters on the contrary, are able to capture many different contaminants without limiting normal airflow.