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 in an all-electric HVAC system uses propane or oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.

Every room has vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or floors. It is recommended to keep them open to allow that air circulation is maintained throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential component of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by turning off and on the compressor and fan until they achieve a specific temperature, and it also switches on the air exchanger in order to bring fresh air from outside into your home while venting stale, indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital, although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats use a device called a thermistor, which has metals that alter the electrical resistance when temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is linked to an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into an indication of temperature. Thermostats come in a variety of options, including programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and make adjustments.

Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior. They are usually in the rooms that are most frequently used. The location of a thermostat inside your home could affect its accuracy. For example, a thermostat located in direct sunlight might read hotter than the actual room temperature, causing your system to run too much or not run at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, you can try resetting it however if this does not resolve the issue then you should contact an AC technician for help.

You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can save money on your energy bills. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system each day. It is also worth checking to determine if you can locate a better model that can provide you with even greater savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should one of the most frequent causes is your condenser. The condenser is made up of several parts that must work together to ensure that the unit functions. The entire system can be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. Condenser problems include a broken condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool and return to a liquid form. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled moves back into the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process continues until the desired temperature for your home or business is achieved.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser working correctly 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, creating obstructions and hindering the cooling system from functioning effectively. It is also a good idea to keep the bushes and trees cut back so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This will reduce the chance that branches, berries or nuts will fall and block the system. Clean your condenser to prolong the lifespan of your AC by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the thing that is used to move warm air around your home. It is made of a series u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid turns into a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool the air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat is transferred from warmer to colder objects. If the evaporator is operating correctly, the heat energy is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cold air. This causes the refrigerant gas to evaporate or boil. During this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured using thermometers) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils have been designed with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. These are known as fins and expand the surface area to help in the transfer of heat. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper while others use aluminum, with each offering its own set of advantages.

One of the most common problems with evaporators is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be the result of mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacteria will produce a smell that spreads throughout the house. This may cause discomfort.

It is essential to choose an evaporator which can be easily maintained and cleaned. It is also recommended to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Some are designed to withstand harsh conditions, while others can work well in moderate environments. Lastly, you will be sure that your evaporator has a solid warranty to ensure your investment.

Fan

The blower fan of your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air throughout your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bills. We could replace the fan motor when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more efficient than the older PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

If your fan only operates on high, a short circuit or a broken relay could be keeping the thermostat settings from reaching your fan.

Filter

The air passes through the filter before being warmed or cooled and circulated around the house. 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 diseases spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and break down.

Homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis. The label will tell 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 them select the most appropriate filter for their home based on the climate and the amount of time they use their system, and personal factors like the presence of allergy sufferers or smokers in the house.

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

Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which reveals how well they are able to capture different sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able take on larger contaminants like dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters, on contrary, are able to capture many different contaminants without limiting normal airflow.