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 runs on propane or oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.

Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling, wall or floor of each room. You should keep them open to allow proper air flow throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial part 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 activates the exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside your home and vent stale air through your ductwork.

Most thermostats are digital, although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermistor. The device contains metals that change resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a controller converts the resistance change into temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats including smart and programable thermostats. These allow you to monitor and adjust your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats can be placed on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms most frequently used. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. For example, a thermostat located in direct sunlight might read hotter than the actual room temperature, causing your system to overrun or not operate at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting it but if that doesn’t fix the problem then you should contact an AC technician for help.

If you’re thinking about replacing your thermostat, check out the various options available for you and think about the possibility of a programmable thermostat to reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth a look to see if you can find an alternative that will provide you with even greater energy savings, such as 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 common causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser unit is made up of a variety of components that must be functioning in harmony for the unit to work. The entire system may be affected if any of these components are damaged or worn out. Condenser issues can include a damaged control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant cool down and convert back to a liquid state. This liquid at low pressure is cooled and returned to the evaporator to continue cooling. The cycle is repeated until the desired temperature in your business or home is reached.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser running effectively is to ensure that the area around it stays free of debris. The condenser’s fan could draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, creating blockages and preventing the cooling system from operating properly. It’s also a good idea to keep your trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will help to minimize the risk that branches, berries or even nuts fall on the system and cause a blockage. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add two or three years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the thing that moves warm air in your home. It is constructed of a series of tubes that are arranged into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This is a way of transferring heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool your indoor air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat flows from hotter to colder objects. If the evaporator operates properly, the heat energy is transferred from warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant to evaporate or boil. During this process, the heat that cannot be measured using thermometers, also known as latent heat 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. Some evaporators are made of copper while others make use of aluminum, with each providing its own set advantages.

One of the most frequent problems with an evaporator is the accumulation of organic growth. This could be the result of mold or mildew. If this is the case, the unpleasant smells that the bacteria produce can be absorbed by the home and can cause discomfort.

To avoid these problems, it is essential to select an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some evaporators can endure harsh environments, whereas others work well in moderate environments. In the end, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid guarantee that will protect your investment.

Fan

The blower fan of your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air in your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bills. 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 efficient than the previous PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

If your fan is operating at the high setting, a damaged relay switch or short circuit may be hindering the settings you input on the thermostat from reaching your fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate the air throughout the house before it is heated or cooling. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It also protects family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and can cause it overheat or break down.

Homeowners need to change their filters regularly. The label will inform them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t certain what kind of filter they need they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home based on factors like the climate, the frequency they use their system, and even personal factors, for instance, whether there are allergy sufferers in the house.

The filter is typically located at the return air duct or, in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is usually located on the wall, ceiling or floor, or in the utility closet. It often has a large grille made of metal that protects the filters. The filter is accessible to homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

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