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, oil or natural gas to create heat for the furnace while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric unit.

Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling, wall or floor of every room. If you can you can keep them open to ensure air flows properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an important element of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by turning off and on the compressor and fan until they achieve a specific temperature. It also switches on the air exchanger in order to bring fresh air from outside into your home while exchanging stale indoor air through your ductwork.

Most thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats use the thermistor device which is made up of metals that change electrical resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is connected to an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into an indication of temperature. Thermostats are available in a variety of options, including programmable and smart thermostats that let you track your home’s energy usage and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior. They are usually in rooms that are most frequently used. The location of a thermostat in your home can affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for instance it could display more heat than the actual room temperature. This can cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem, call an AC technician.

If you’re thinking about replacing your thermostat, check out the various options available to you, and consider the possibility of a programmable thermostat to reduce your energy costs. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system each day. It’s also worth a look to determine if you can locate an improved model that could give you more energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it should. The condenser unit is made up of a variety of parts that all need to be functioning in harmony for the unit to work. If any of these parts get damaged or worn out, the whole system can be impacted. Condenser issues can include a damaged control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pushed 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. This liquid at low pressure is chilled and then returned to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until the temperature you want in your home or business is achieved.

To ensure that your condenser runs efficiently, make sure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers grass and other debris could be taken 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 your trees and shrubs well-trimmed so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will decrease the chances that nuts, berries or branches will fall into the system and clog it. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is what is used to move warm air around your home. It is made up of a string of tubing which is u-shaped and placed into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This draws heat from 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 law of thermodynamics states that heat moves from warmer to colder objects. When the evaporator functions properly, the energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cold air. The refrigerant gas causes to boil or evaporate. In this process, the latent heat (which is not measurable with a thermometer) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of the coils. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper while others use aluminum, each providing its own set advantages.

A evaporator with a buildup of organic growth is susceptible to issues. This can be a result of mold or mildew. If this happens, the bacteria will produce a smell that will spread throughout the home. This may cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it is crucial to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Some evaporators are built to stand up to harsh conditions, while others can be used in moderate environments. You will also want to make sure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty which will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat you set is attained. The fan can be set to automatic or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bills. If your system’s fan is constantly running We can replace it with a 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 operating at the highest setting, a malfunctioning relay switch or short circuit may be preventing the settings you enter on the thermostat from reaching the fan.

Filter

Air passes through the filter before being warmed or cooled, and then circulated throughout the home. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating the internal components. It shields the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or break down.

Homeowners need to replace their filters regularly. The label will tell them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. 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 right filter for their home based on climate and the amount of time they use their system, as well as personal factors like the presence of allergy sufferers or smokers 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 can be located on the wall, floor, ceiling, or utility closet, and it typically has a large metal grate that covers the filter. The filter should be accessible to both homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how effective they are at taking in different sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able filter larger particles such as dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters on the contrary, can capture various contaminants without limiting normal airflow.