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 unit runs on propane or oil as well as natural gas to heat the furnace.

Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling or on the floor of every room. If possible you can keep them open to ensure air flows properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching on and off the fan and compressor to achieve a set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.

Most thermostats are digital, although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermostat. The device is made of metals that change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is linked to an microcontroller that converts changing resistance into an indication of temperature. There are a variety of thermostats including smart and programmed thermostats. They let you monitor and adjust your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are located on the interior walls of your house, typically in rooms where they are used most often. The location of a thermostat in your home may affect its accuracy. A thermostat 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 functioning properly, you can try reset it however if this does not solve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for help.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You’ll reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule instead of having to manually adjust your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth a look to see if you can find an improved model that could provide you with even greater energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t functioning in the way it should. The condenser unit is comprised of a variety of parts that all need to be working in sync for the unit to function. If any of these components get damaged or worn out, the entire system can be impacted. Condenser problems include a broken control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser, where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to liquid form. The low-pressure liquid is removed and cooled before being moved back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process is repeated in order to reach the temperature you want for your office or home.

To keep your condenser running correctly, you must ensure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs, grass, and other debris can be sucked into the unit by the condenser fan. This can create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s a good idea also to keep trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t get in the way of the unit. This will help to minimize the risk that branches, berries or nuts could fall and block the system. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add 1-2 additional years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the part that allows warm air to enter your home. It is made of a series of tubes, which are then set into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid becomes a gas that circulates through the cooling system to cool your air.

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

These coils have been created with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of the coils. Aluminum and copper are both used to make Evaporators, each with distinct advantages.

An evaporator that has an accumulation of organic growth can be prone to issues. This could be caused by mildew or mold. If this is the case, the sour smells caused 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 can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to endure harsh environments, whereas others can be used in moderate conditions. You should also make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty which will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate the hot or cold air throughout your home until the thermostat you set is reached. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on at all times for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electric bills. If your system’s fan is continuously running, we can replace it with an ECM blower motor, which is up to 70 percent more efficient than older PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the life of the unit.

If your fan only runs on high, the short circuit or broken relay could be keeping your 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 also stops dust and pet dander from entering into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It shields the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or breakdown.

Homeowners should replace their filters frequently – every 30 or 90 days, based on the label instructions. If a homeowner isn’t certain what type of filter they require, they should consult an HVAC professional. A professional can help them select the best filter for their home based on climate and how often they use their system, and other personal factors like the presence of smokers or allergies in the house.

The filter is usually located in the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct could be located on the wall, floor, ceiling, or in the utility closet. It often contains a large metal grate that covers the filter. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which reveals how effective they are in capturing various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able to catch larger contaminants like dust mites and pet dander, but it’s not very effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on contrary, can capture various contaminants without limiting normal airflow.