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 is powered by propane or natural gas to create heat for the furnace, while electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric unit.
Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling, wall or floor of every room. It is recommended to keep them open to allow proper air flow throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an essential element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by switching off and on the fan and compressor until they achieve a specific temperature, and it also turns on the air exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside into your home while venting old, indoor air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermostat. This device has metals that change resistance as temperatures change. The thermistor is connected to a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into a temperature reading. Thermostats are available in variety of options, including programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and make adjustments.
Thermostats can be placed on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms most frequently used. The location of a thermostat in your home can affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for example it could display an upper temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This can cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat doesn’t work properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work contact an AC technician.
Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You’ll save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your preferences, rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also worth checking to determine if you can locate a better model that can give you more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.
Condenser
Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it should. The condenser is made up of several parts that must cooperate to function. If any of these components become damaged or wear out, the whole system could be affected. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning control board for the condenser, or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser, where the fan blows cool air from outside over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to a liquid state. This liquid at low pressure is cooled and transferred back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated to achieve the temperature you desire for your home or office.
The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser running effectively is to ensure that the area around it is clear of debris. The condenser’s fans can draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, creating clogs and hindering the cooling system from operating properly. It is a good idea to keep your trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t touch the unit. This can reduce the possibility that branches, berries or even nuts fall on the system and cause a blockage. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the lifespan of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the component that moves warm air into your home. It is comprised of a string of tubing that is u-shaped, and placed into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This transfers heat from the indoor environment to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool your indoor air.
The thermodynamics law states that heat moves from hotter to colder objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the heat energy is transferred from warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant gas to evaporate or boil. In this process, heat that is not measured by thermometers, referred to as latent heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.
These coils are constructed with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. These are also known as fins and expand the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are made of copper while others make use of aluminum, with each material offering its own set of advantages.
One of the most common issues with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This is usually caused by mildew or mold. If this is the case, the sour smells that the bacteria produce will be spread throughout the house and may cause discomfort.
It is essential to choose an evaporator that can be easily maintained and cleaned. When choosing an evaporator, it is essential to take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate environments. In the end, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator has a solid warranty that will safeguard your investment.
Fan
The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air through your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can be set to auto or continuous. We suggest keeping the fan on constant for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electricity costs. If your system’s fan keeps 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 life of the unit.
If your fan is operating at the high setting, a broken 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 air throughout the house before it is heated or cooled. It removes impurities and also stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It safeguards the family members from illnesses caused by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and can cause it overheat or breakdown.
Homeowners should change their filters regularly. The label will tell them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t certain what type of filter they require and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home depending on factors such as temperature, how often they use their system, and even personal factors like whether there are allergy sufferers living in the home.
The filter is situated in the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is usually located on the wall, ceiling or floor of the storage closets. It typically has a large grille made of metal that protects the filters. The filter should be accessible to both technicians and homeowners for easy cleaning and replacement.
Filters are assessed based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which reveals how efficient they are at collecting different sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able filter larger particles such as dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture many kinds of contaminants while not affecting the flow of air.