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 makes use of propane, oil or natural gas to generate heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric unit.
Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling, wall or floor of each room. You should keep them open as much as you can to ensure proper air flow throughout your home.
Thermostat
A thermostat is among the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning on and off the compressor and fan until they reach a set temperature, and also turns on the air exchanger to help bring fresh air from outside into your home, while venting stale, indoor air out through your ductwork.
Most thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats use a device called a thermistor made of metals that alter electrical resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats are available in a variety of styles including programmable and intelligent thermostats that allow you to track your home’s energy usage and make adjustments.
Thermostats can be placed on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in the rooms most often used. The place of a thermostat within your home may affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for instance, may show a higher temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This can cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work, call an AC technician.
You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You will save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to suit your needs, rather than having you manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also advisable to find out if there’s an efficient model, like one that’s ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.
Condenser
Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working in the way it should. The condenser consists of a number of parts that have to be in sync to ensure that the unit functions. If any of these parts become damaged or wear out, then the entire system can be impacted. Condenser problems include a broken condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool and return to a liquid form. This liquid at low pressure is cooled and moved back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process repeats in order to reach the temperature you desire for your home or office.
The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser running properly is to make sure that the area around it is clear of debris. Leaves, twigs grass and other debris may be sucked into the unit by the condenser’s fan and create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is important to keep bushes and trees cut back so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This can reduce the possibility that branches, berries, or nuts could fall on the system and cause a blockage. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add two or three years to the lifespan of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is a component that circulates warm air into your home. It is made up of a set of tubing which is shaped like a U and then formed into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid turns into a gas that circulates through the cooling system to cool your air.
The thermodynamics law states that heat moves from colder to hot objects. When the evaporator operates correctly, the heat energy is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the warm air. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into a gas. In this process, heat that cannot be measured using thermometers, also known as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.
These coils are designed with special structures that enhance the transfer of heat. These are also known as fins, and they expand the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper while others make use of aluminum, with each offering its own set of advantages.
An evaporator that has a buildup of organic growth is susceptible to issues. This could be the result of mold or mildew. If this occurs, the bacterium will produce a smell that spreads throughout the home. This could cause discomfort.
To avoid these problems, it is essential to select an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to stand up to harsh conditions, while others work well in moderate environments. You will also want to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is covered by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate cool or hot air through your home until the temperature you set is attained. The fan can be on auto or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bills. If your system’s fan keeps running we can replace it with an ECM blower motor that is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the duration of the unit.
If your fan only runs on high, an unbalanced circuit or a broken relay could be keeping the thermostat settings from reaching your fan.
Filter
The air passes through the filter, before being heated or cooled before being circulated throughout the home. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating internal components. It shields the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system works efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and may cause it overheat or break down.
homeowners should change their filters regularly at least every 30 days or 90 days, depending on the directions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t certain what kind of filter they should use and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can help them select the best filter for their home based on the climate and the amount of time they use their system, as well as personal factors like the presence of allergies or smokers within 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 typically placed on the ceiling, wall or floor, or in the utility closet. It often is covered by a large metal grille that covers the filters. The filter is accessible to homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how effective they are at taking in 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 the contrary, are able to capture a wide range of contaminants without limiting airflow.
