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 system uses propane, oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.

Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. You should keep them open as much as you can to ensure that air circulation is maintained throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching on and off the compressor and fan to achieve a set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside into your home and vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats make use of the thermistor device made of metals that change electrical resistance as temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is connected to an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into a temperature reading. There are a variety of thermostats including smart and programmable thermostats. They let you control and adjust your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are placed on the interior walls of your house, typically in rooms that are most frequently used. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. For instance the thermostat that is located in direct sunlight might appear hotter than the actual temperature of the room which can cause your system to run excessively or not operate at all. If your thermostat isn’t working properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work then contact an AC technician.

If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, check out the different options available for you, and consider a programmable model to reduce your energy bills. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule rather than requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system each day. It is also worth checking to see if you can find an improved model that could offer you even more savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t functioning as efficiently as it is supposed to, one of the most frequent causes is your condenser. The condenser is comprised of several components that cooperate to function. If any of these parts are damaged or worn out, the whole system can be impacted. The most frequent issues in the condenser include a malfunctioning control board or refrigerant leaks.

The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser where fans blow cool air from outside over the coils. This helps the refrigerant cool down and convert back to a liquid. This cooled low-pressure liquid then moves back into the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process continues until the temperature you want in your home or business is reached.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser running effectively is to ensure that the area around it stays clear of debris. The condenser’s fans can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, causing obstructions and hindering the cooling system from operating properly. It is important to keep the bushes and trees cut back so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This reduces the likelihood that berries, nuts, or branches can get into the system and block it. Keep your condenser clean to extend the life of your AC by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the thing that moves warm air in your home. It is constructed of a series of tubes, which are then set into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This draws heat from the indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.

The thermodynamic law states that heat moves from colder objects to warmer ones. When the evaporator functions correctly, the energy of heat is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cold air. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into a gas. In this process, heat that cannot be measured by thermometers, also known as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.

These coils are designed with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. These are also known as fins, and they increase the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Aluminum and copper are both utilized to construct evaporators, each having its own advantages.

An evaporator that has an accumulation of organic growth is susceptible to problems. This can be a result of mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacterium may produce a sour smell that spreads throughout the house. This can cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it’s essential to select an evaporator that is 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 evaporators are designed to withstand harsh environments, while others are suited to moderate conditions. You will also want to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is covered by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.

Fan

The blower fan of your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air through your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be set to automatic or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on at all times for maximum efficiency and to save money on electric bills. If your system’s fan keeps 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 duration of the unit.

If your fan is operating at the highest setting, a damaged relay switch or short circuit may be hindering the settings you input 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 filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and ultimately break down.

Homeowners should change their filters regularly. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional if they are unsure of the type of filter they need. A professional can help them select the right filter for their home based on the climate, how much they run their system, and personal factors like the presence of smokers or allergies in the house.

The filter is located in the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is typically situated on the ceiling, wall, floor or utility closet. It usually is covered by a large metal grille that covers the filters. The filter should be accessible to homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they can capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able to remove larger particles such as pet dander and dust mites but isn’t very efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on contrary, are able to capture many different contaminants without limiting airflow.