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

Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling or on the floor of every room. They should be kept 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 your home’s temperature by turning off and on the compressor and fan to achieve a specific temperature. It also activates the air exchanger to pull fresh, outside air into your home, while venting old, indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermosistor. The device is made of metals that alter resistance as temperatures change. The thermistor is connected to an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into a temperature reading. Thermostats are available in variety of styles that include programmable and smart thermostats that let you track your home’s energy usage and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are placed on the interior walls of your house, typically in rooms where they are used the most. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. For example one thermostat placed in direct sunlight might be more hot than the actual temperature of the room, causing your system to run too much or not operate at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, you can try resetting it, but if this does not resolve the issue then you should contact an AC technician for assistance.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your current thermostat. You’ll save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to suit your needs instead of having you manually manipulate your HVAC system on a regular basis. It’s also worth checking to determine if you can locate an improved model that could give you more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t functioning as efficiently as it is supposed to one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser is comprised of several parts that must cooperate to function. If any of these components are damaged or worn out, then the entire system may be affected. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning 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 allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to a liquid form. The liquid that is cooled is redirected back to the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated until the desired temperature for your business or home is reached.

To ensure that your condenser runs correctly, you must ensure that the area around it is clear of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers grass and other debris may be carried into the unit by the condenser’s fan and result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is recommended to keep the bushes and trees trimmed so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This will reduce the risk that berries, branches, or nuts will fall and block the system. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add two or three years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the thing that moves warm air in your home. It is made of a set of tubing that is shaped like a U and then formed into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This transfers heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid turns into an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool the air.

The law of thermodynamics states heat moves from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator is operating correctly, the heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the warm air. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate. During this process, the heat that cannot be measured with a thermometer, known as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

The coils are made with special structures that enhance the transfer of heat. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Both aluminum and copper are used to build some evaporators, each having their own advantages.

One of the most common problems with evaporators is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be caused by mildew or mold. If this is the case, the unpleasant odors produced by the bacteria can be absorbed by the house and could 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 in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Some evaporators can stand up to harsh conditions, while others work well in moderate conditions. You should also make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is covered by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.

Fan

The fan in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air through your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bill. If your system’s fan is constantly running we can replace it with a new ECM blower motor which is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the duration of the unit.

If your fan is operating at the highest setting, a malfunctioning relay switch or short circuit may be preventing the settings you enter on the thermostat from reaching the fan.

Filter

Air passes through the filter before being heated or cooled before being circulated throughout the home. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating the internal components. It also protects family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and eventually break down.

Homeowners need to replace their filters regularly. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional if they are unsure of the type 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 typically located in the return air duct, or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct could be located on the floor, wall or ceiling, or even in the storage closets, and it often contains a large metal grate which covers the filter. The filter should be accessible to both homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they can capture various 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 effective at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture a variety of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect the normal flow of air.