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

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling, wall or floor of each room. They should be kept open as much as you can to ensure that air circulation is maintained throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning on and off the fan and compressor until they reach a set temperature, and also switches on the air exchanger to help bring fresh air from outside into your home, while venting stale, indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However older models are available. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermistor. The device is made of metals that change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor, which is connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats that include smart and programmed thermostats. They allow you to control and adjust your home’s power consumption.

Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior. They are usually in the rooms that are most frequently used. The location of a thermostat in your home may affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for example could show a higher temperature than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t operating correctly, you can try reset it but if that does not solve the issue, you should call an AC technician for help.

If you’re thinking about changing your thermostat, you should check out the various options available for you and consider a programmable model to reduce your energy costs. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule, instead of needing you to manually operate your HVAC system every day. It is also advisable to determine if there’s a more efficient model, like one that’s ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t performing properly. The condenser unit is made up of a variety of components that must be working in sync in order for the unit to function. If any of these components get damaged or worn out, then the entire system can be impacted. The most frequent issues in the condenser include a broken control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser, where the fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant to cool down and convert back to a liquid. The low-pressure liquid is removed and cooled before being returned to the evaporator to continue cooling. The cycle is repeated until the desired temperature in your business or home is achieved.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser working correctly is to ensure that the area around it is clear of debris. Leaves, twigs grass and other debris may be carried into the unit by the condenser fan. This can cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It is also a good idea to keep bushes and trees in good shape to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts or branches will enter the system and block it. Clean your condenser to prolong the life of your AC system by a minimum of 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the part that moves warm air into your home. It is comprised of a series of tubes that are set into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This is a way of transferring heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat moves from colder to warmer objects. If the evaporator operates correctly, this heat energy moves from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into a gas. During this process the latent heat (which cannot be measured with thermometers) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

The coils are designed with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper, while others are made of aluminum, with each material having its own set of advantages.

One of the most frequent issues with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This could be the result of mildew or mold. If this is the case, the foul smells that the bacteria produce will be spread throughout the house and could cause discomfort.

It is important to select an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the working environment when selecting an evaporator. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh conditions while others are suited to moderate environments. In the end, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator has a solid warranty to safeguard your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate cold or hot air throughout your home until the thermostat setting you have set is reached. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on continuous to maximize efficiency and to save money on electricity bills. If your system’s fan is constantly running We can replace it with an ECM blower motor which is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.

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

Filter

Air passes through the filter, before being heated or cooled before being circulated around the house. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and can cause it overheat or breakdown.

Homeowners should change their filters on a regular basis. The label will inform them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure about the kind of filter they need. 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 such as the presence of smokers or allergies in the house.

The filter is typically located at the return air duct, or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct could be found on the floor, wall, ceiling, or in the utility closet. It typically has a large metal grate that is covered by 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 efficient they are at capturing various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able to remove larger particles such as dust mites and pet dander but isn’t very efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters on the contrary, can capture a wide range of contaminants without limiting airflow.