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 generate heat for the furnace, while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric system.

Every room has vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. They should be kept open to allow the proper circulation of air throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential element of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by turning off and on the compressor and fan until they reach a set temperature, and also activates the air exchanger in order to pull fresh, outside air into your home while venting old, indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermosistor. This device has metals that change resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor, which is connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats are available in variety of options that include programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home’s energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior. They are usually in rooms that are most often used. The location of a thermostat in your home may affect its accuracy. For instance, a thermostat located in direct sunlight could appear hotter than the actual room temperature and cause your system to run excessively or not operate at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t help contact an AC technician.

If you’re thinking of changing your thermostat, you should check out the various options available to you and consider the possibility of a programmable thermostat to save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule instead of having to manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth a look to determine if you can locate a better model that can offer you even more savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t performing as well as it ought to, one of the most frequent causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser consists of a number of parts that have to be in sync to ensure that the unit functions. If any of these components are damaged or worn out, the entire system may be affected. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning control board for the condenser, or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor moves the refrigerant through the condenser which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant reduce its temperature and then transform to a liquid state. This low-pressure liquid is then cooled and transferred back into the evaporator to continue cooling. The process is repeated to achieve the desired temperature for your home or office.

To ensure that your condenser runs properly, you should ensure that the area around it is clear of debris. Leaves, twigs grass and other debris could be sucked into the unit by the condenser’s fan and result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is a good idea to keep the trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t get in the way of the unit. This reduces the likelihood that berries, nuts or branches get into the system and cause clogging. Keep your condenser clean to prolong the lifespan of your AC by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator circulates warm air inside your home. It is made of a series u-shaped tubes, which are then set into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states heat is transferred from colder to warmer objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the energy is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cool air. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into a gas. During this process, the heat that is not measured with 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 used to increase the surface area of the coils. Both aluminum and copper are used to make evaporators, each with their own advantages.

An evaporator that has an accumulation of organic growth can be prone to issues. This can be caused by mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacterium may produce a sour smell that can spread throughout the house. This may cause discomfort.

To avoid these problems, it is important to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Some evaporators can endure harsh environments, whereas others work well in moderate environments. 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

The fan in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air in your home until you get to the temperature you want. The fan can be turned on auto or continuous. We recommend keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bill. If your system’s fan is continuously running, we can replace it with a new ECM blower motor that is up to 70 percent more efficient than older PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the duration of the unit.

If your fan is running on the high setting, a malfunctioning relay switch or short circuit could be hindering the settings you input on the thermostat from reaching the fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate the air around the house before it is heated or cooling. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens that float in the air. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or to fail.

Homeowners should replace their filters frequently each 30 days or 90 days, depending on the label instructions. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional when they aren’t sure of the type of filter they need. A professional can help them select the most appropriate filter for their home based on climate, how much they run their system, as well as personal factors like the presence of allergies or smokers in the house.

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

Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can take on larger contaminants like dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture a variety of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect normal airflow.