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. Its blower uses propane, oil or natural gas to create heat for the furnace, while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric system.

Each room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling, walls or floors. It is recommended to keep them open as much as you can to ensure the proper circulation of air throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is among the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning off and on the fan and compressor to achieve a set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside into your home and vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermosistor. This device has metals that alter resistance as temperatures change. The thermistor is linked to an microcontroller that converts changing resistance into a temperature reading. There are various kinds of thermostats, including smart and programable thermostats. They let you control and alter your home’s energy consumption.

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

If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, check out the different options available and consider a programmable model to save money on your energy bills. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule instead of having to manually alter your HVAC system on a regular basis. You should also check to determine if there’s a more efficient model, for instance one that’s ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.

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 unit is comprised of many different components that must work in harmony for the unit to function. If any of these components become damaged or wear out, the whole system can be impacted. Condenser problems include a broken control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor moves the refrigerant into the condenser, where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to a liquid form. This liquid at low pressure is chilled and then moved back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until the temperature you want in your home or business is achieved.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser working effectively is to ensure that the area around it remains clear of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers grass and other debris could be carried into the unit by the condenser fan and cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It’s also a good idea to keep your trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t get in the way of the unit. This can reduce the chance that branches, berries, or nuts will fall and clog the system. Clean your condenser to prolong the lifespan of your AC by a couple of years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that moves warm air into your home. It is made up of a series of tubing that is u-shaped, and formed into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This transfers heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid turns into a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.

The law of thermodynamics states heat travels from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator is operating correctly, the energy is transferred from warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant gas to vaporize or boil. In this process, heat that cannot be measured with thermometers, also known as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are designed with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of coils. Aluminum and copper are both used to make Evaporators, each with distinct advantages.

A evaporator with an accumulation of organic growth is susceptible to issues. This can be the result of mold or mildew. If this occurs, the bacterium may produce a sour smell that can spread throughout the house. This can cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it is essential to select an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is crucial to think about the working environment. Some evaporators are built to endure harsh environments, whereas others can be used in moderate ones. Lastly, you will want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid warranty that will ensure your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate hot or cold air throughout your home until the thermostat you have set is reached. The fan can be on automatic or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bill. We can replace the motor of the fan when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is up to 70 percent more efficient than the previous PSC motors. It is able to pay for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

If your fan only runs on high, the short circuit or malfunctioning relay could be preventing the thermostat settings from reaching the fan.

Filter

The air passes through the filter before being heated or cooled before being circulated around the home. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and eventually break down.

Homeowners should 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 should use and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in choosing the best filter for their home based on the climate, how much they run their system, as well as personal factors such as the presence of smokers or allergies within the home.

The filter is typically located at the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is normally located on the ceiling, wall or floor of the in the utility closet. It typically has a large metal grille that covers the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.

Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they are able to capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able 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 other hand, can catch a wide range of contaminants without limiting airflow.