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 unit uses propane, oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.

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

Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial component of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by turning on and off the compressor and fan until they reach a set temperature. It also switches on the air exchanger to pull fresh, outside air into your home, while venting old, indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital, although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats utilize an instrument called a thermistor made of metals that change electrical resistance when changes in temperature. The thermistor is linked to an microcontroller that converts changing resistance into an indication of temperature. Thermostats are available in a range of models that include programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are located on the interior walls of your home, usually in rooms where they are most frequently used. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. For instance one thermostat placed in direct sunlight might appear hotter than the actual room temperature, causing your system to run excessively or not even run at all. If your thermostat isn’t working properly, you can try resetting it however if this does not solve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for help.

You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You’ll save money on energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to suit your needs instead of having to manually manipulate your HVAC system on a regular basis. It’s also worth a look to see if you can find an alternative that will give you more savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t working as efficiently as it ought to, one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser is made up of many different parts that all need to work in harmony for the unit to function. The entire system may be affected if any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most common issues found in the condenser are a broken control board or refrigerant leaks.

The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pushed into the condenser, where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to get cool and transform to a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid is cooled and returned to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process is repeated in order to reach the desired temperature for your office or home.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser running effectively is to ensure that the area around it stays free of any debris. The condenser’s fan can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, creating clogs and preventing the cooling system from operating effectively. It is a good idea to keep the trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This reduces the likelihood that berries, nuts or branches 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 the part that circulates warm air into your home. It is made of a set of tubing which is shaped like a U and then set into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This transfer heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat flows from hotter to colder objects. When the evaporator is operating correctly, this heat energy is transferred from warm air to the colder refrigerant. The refrigerant gas causes to boil or evaporate. During this process the latent heat (which is not measurable with thermometers) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

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

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

To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh conditions while others are suited to moderate environments. Lastly, you will want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid warranty that will protect your investment.

Fan

The fan in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air throughout your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be on automatic or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running continuous to maximize efficiency and to save money on electric bills. If your system’s fan is constantly running, we can replace it with an ECM blower motor which is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the life of the unit.

If your fan only runs on high, a short circuit or a broken relay could be keeping your thermostat from adjusting to your fan.

Filter

The air passes through the filter before it is warmed or cooled, and then circulated throughout the home. It removes impurities, and prevents dust and pet dander from entering into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It shields the family members from illnesses caused by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and break down.

homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional in case they are not sure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can assist them in selecting the right filter for their home based on climate, how much they run their system, as well as personal factors like the presence of smokers or allergies within the home.

The filter is usually found in the return air duct or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct could be found on the wall, floor or ceiling, or even in the storage closets, and it often contains a large metal grate that is covered by the filter. The filter should be easily accessible to both technicians and homeowners for easy 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 low-MERV filter is able to capture larger contaminants such as pet dander and dust mites, but it’s not very efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filter can capture various contaminants while not affecting the flow of air.