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

Every room has vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling, walls or floors. If you can, keep them open to ensure air flows properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning on and shutting off the fan and compressor to achieve a set temperature. It also activates the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermistor. This device has metals that alter resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor is connected a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into the temperature reading. Thermostats are available in range of models, including programmable and smart thermostats that allow you to monitor your home’s energy consumption and make adjustments.

Thermostats are located on the interior walls of your house, typically in rooms that are used most often. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for example could show an upper temperature than the actual room temperature. This can cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t operating correctly, try setting it again but if that does not resolve the issue, you should call an AC technician for help.

If you’re thinking of replacing your thermostat, check out the various options available for you and consider a programmable model to save money on your energy costs. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule, instead of having to manually adjust your HVAC system each day. You should also check to see if there is an energy-efficient model, like one that’s ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

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

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

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser operating correctly is to ensure that the area around it is free of any debris. The condenser’s fan could draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, causing obstructions and preventing the cooling system from operating properly. It is a good idea to keep trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t touch the unit. This can reduce the possibility that branches, berries, or nuts will fall on the system and cause a blockage. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add 1-2 additional years to the lifespan 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. Air from the blower fans is blown over these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat moves from warmer to colder objects. When the evaporator functions correctly, the energy of heat is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cold air. This causes the refrigerant to evaporate or boil. In this process, heat that cannot be measured by thermometers, referred to as latent heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

The coils are designed with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. Fins are used to increase the surface area of coils. Some evaporators are built using copper while others make use of aluminum, with each having its own set of 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 happens, the bacteria may produce a sour smell that spreads throughout the house. This can cause discomfort.

To avoid these problems, it is essential to select an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the working environment when selecting an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to stand up to harsh conditions, while others work well in moderate conditions. It is also important to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty which will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate the cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat you set is reached. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bill. We can replace the motor of the fan in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is up to 70 percent more energy efficient than the previous PSC motors. It will pay for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

If your fan is only running on the high setting, a damaged relay switch or short circuit may be preventing the settings you enter on the thermostat from reaching your fan.

Filter

Air passes through the filter before it is heated or cooled before being circulated around the home. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating the internal components. It also shields family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens that float in the air. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or even breakdown.

Homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis each 30 or 90 days, depending on the instructions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t certain which kind of filter they should use, they should consult an HVAC professional. A professional can assist homeowners select the best filter for their home depending on factors such as the climate, the frequency they use their system and even personal preferences, like whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers 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 located on the ceiling, wall or floor of the storage closets. It usually has a large metal grille that covers the filters. The filter should be accessible to both technicians and homeowners to make it easy to clean and replace.

Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how efficient they are at capturing various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to capture larger contaminants such as pet dander and dust mites but isn’t very effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on the contrary, are able to capture various contaminants without limiting airflow.