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 while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric system.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or wall of every room. If possible you can keep them open to ensure that air circulation is properly distributed throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by turning on and off the compressor and fan to attain a certain temperature. It also activates the air exchanger in order to pull fresh, outside air into your home, while venting stale, indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermosistor. The device contains metals which change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is connected to a controller converts the resistance change into a temperature. Thermostats come in a variety of styles, including programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home’s energy consumption and make adjustments.

Thermostats can be placed on the walls of your home’s interior. They are usually in rooms that are most often used. The place of a thermostat within your home could affect its accuracy. For instance one thermostat placed in direct sunlight may appear hotter than the actual room temperature, causing your system to run too much or not even run at all. If your thermostat isn’t operating correctly, try setting it again but if that doesn’t fix the problem it is recommended to contact an AC technician for assistance.

If you’re considering changing your thermostat, you should check out the different options available for you and think about the possibility of a programmable thermostat to reduce your energy bills. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust your home’s temperature according to your schedule, rather than having you manually adjust your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also advisable to see if there is a more efficient model, for instance one that is ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t working as efficiently as it ought to, one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser unit is made up of many different components that must be working in sync in order for the unit to function. If any of these parts get damaged or worn out, the entire system could be affected. Condenser problems include a broken control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pushed into the condenser where fans blow cool air from outside over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool and return to a liquid form. The liquid that is cooled returns to the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated until the desired temperature for your business or home is reached.

To ensure that your condenser is operating efficiently, make sure that the area surrounding it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs grass and other debris may be sucked into the unit by the condenser’s fan and cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It is a good idea to keep the trees and shrubs well-trimmed so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, branches, or nuts will fall and block the system. Keep your condenser in good condition to prolong the lifespan of your AC by a minimum of 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the component that allows warm air to enter your home. It is made up of a set of tubing which is shaped like a U and then formed into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown across these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid becomes a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat is transferred from warmer to colder objects. When the evaporator operates correctly, the energy of heat is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cold air. The refrigerant gas causes to vaporize or boil. During this process, the heat that cannot be measured by thermometers, referred to as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

The coils are made with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. These are also known as fins and increase the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are made of copper, while others are made of aluminum, each offering its own set of advantages.

An evaporator that is afflicted with an accumulation of organic growth is susceptible to issues. This could be caused by mildew or mold. If this is the case, the sour smells caused by the bacteria will be spread throughout the home and can cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it is crucial to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is important to also think about the working environment. Certain evaporators are designed to withstand harsh environments, while others work well in moderate ones. You should also ensure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

The fan in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air in your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can be set to automatic or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running constant for maximum efficiency and to save money on electricity costs. We could replace the fan motor in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is up to 70 percent more energy efficient than the older PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifetime of the unit.

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

Filter

The air passes through the filter before it is warmed or cooled, and then circulated throughout the home. It removes impurities and stops dust and pet dander getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or breakdown.

The homeowner should change their filters frequently at least every 30 days or 90 days, depending on the instructions on the label. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional if they are unsure of the type of filter they need. A professional can help homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home, depending on factors such as the climate, the frequency they use their system, and even personal factors, for instance, whether there are allergy sufferers in the house.

The filter is situated in the return air duct or in certain cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is typically placed on the wall, ceiling, floor or utility closet. It typically has a large metal grille that protects the filters. The filter should be accessible to homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.

Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how effective they are in collecting different 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 at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on contrary, are able to capture a wide range of contaminants without limiting airflow.