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 system uses propane or oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.

Each room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. If possible, keep them open to ensure air flows properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential part of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching off and on the fan and compressor until they attain a certain temperature, and also switches on the air exchanger to draw fresh air from outside into your home while exchanging stale indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However older models are available. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermosistor. This device has metals that alter resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is connected to a control unit, 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 energy consumption and make adjustments.

Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in rooms that are most often used. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. For example the thermostat that is located in direct sunlight might appear hotter than the actual room temperature, causing your system to overrun or not operate at all. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try reset it however if this does not resolve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for assistance.

Consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You can save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule, instead of requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth checking to see if you can find an improved model that could give you more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t functioning in the way it should. The condenser unit is made up of a variety of parts that need to be functioning in harmony for the unit to function. If any of these parts are damaged or worn out, the whole system could be affected. The most frequent issues in the condenser are a broken control board or refrigerant leaks.

The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pushed 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. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled moves back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated to achieve the temperature you desire for your home or office.

To ensure that your condenser is operating correctly, you must ensure that the area surrounding it is clear of debris. The condenser’s fan could draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, causing obstructions and hindering the cooling system from operating efficiently. It’s important to keep trees and bushes in good shape to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This will reduce the chance that nuts, berries or branches fall into the system and cause clogging. Keep your condenser in good condition to prolong the life of your AC system by a couple of years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that circulates warm air into your home. It is comprised of a series of tubes that are arranged into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This transfer heat from the indoor environment 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 colder to hot objects. When the evaporator functions properly, the energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cool air. The refrigerant gas causes to evaporate or boil. In this process, heat that is not measured by a thermometer, known as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils have been designed with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. These are also known as fins and expand the surface area to help in the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both used to make evaporators, each having distinct advantages.

One of the most common problems with evaporators is the accumulation of organic growth. This can be a result of mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacteria will produce a smell that will spread throughout the house. This can cause discomfort.

To avoid these problems, it is important to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is crucial to think about the working environment. Some are built to withstand harsh environments, whereas others can be used in moderate environments. In the end, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator comes with a solid warranty that will protect your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate cold or hot air throughout your home until the thermostat setting you set is attained. The fan can be set to auto or continuous. We suggest keeping the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bill. We can replace the motor of the fan when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more efficient than the previous PSC motors. It will pay for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

If your fan only runs on high, an unbalanced circuit or a broken relay could be preventing your thermostat from adjusting to your fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air throughout the house before it is heated or cooling. It removes impurities and also stops dust and pet dander from entering into the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and ultimately break down.

The homeowner should change their filters on a regular basis at least every 30 days or 90 days, depending on the directions on the label. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional in case they are not sure of the type of filter they need. A professional can help homeowners choose the right filter for their home, depending on factors such as the climate, the frequency they use their system, and even personal preferences, for instance, whether there are allergy sufferers living in the home.

The filter is typically located in the return air duct, or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct may be located on the wall, floor, ceiling, or utility closet, and it often contains a large metal grate that covers the filter. The filter should be accessible to homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how efficient they are at collecting different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can take on larger contaminants like pet dander or dust mites but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters, on the contrary, can capture a wide range of contaminants without limiting airflow.