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, oil or natural gas to create heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric unit.

Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. You should keep them open to allow the proper circulation of air 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 off and on the fan and compressor until they attain a certain temperature, and also activates the air exchanger to help pull fresh, outside air into your home while venting stale, indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermistor. This device has metals that change resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor is connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats are available in range of models that include programmable and smart thermostats that let you track your home’s energy usage and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats can be placed on the walls of your home’s interior. They are usually in the rooms that are most often used. The place of a thermostat within your home can affect its accuracy. For instance, a thermostat located in direct sunlight might be more hot than the actual room temperature, causing your system to overrun or not even run at all. If your thermostat doesn’t work correctly, try resetting your device. If this doesn’t help contact an AC technician.

If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the various options available for you and consider a programmable model to save money on your energy costs. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also advisable to see if there is an efficient model, like one that’s ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t functioning in the way it should. The condenser is comprised of a number of parts that have to work together to ensure that the unit functions. The entire system could be affected if any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most common problems found in the condenser include a malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pushed into the condenser where the fan blows cool air from outside over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform to a liquid. The low-pressure liquid is chilled and then transferred back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process is repeated until the temperature you want in your business or home is reached.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser operating correctly is to ensure that the area around it stays clear of debris. The condenser’s fans can draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, causing blockages and preventing the cooling system from functioning efficiently. It is recommended to keep trees and bushes trimmed to ensure that they don’t get on the unit. This can reduce the risk that berries, branches, or nuts could fall and block the system. Clean your condenser to extend the lifespan of your AC by a couple of years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the part that allows warm air to enter your home. It is made of a series of tubing which is shaped like a U and then formed into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown through these coils. This transfers heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states heat travels from warmer to colder objects. If the evaporator operates correctly, the energy is transferred from warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. The refrigerant gas causes to evaporate or boil. 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 constructed with special structures that enhance the transfer of heat. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of the coils. Some evaporators are made of copper while others use aluminum, each having its own set of advantages.

One of the most frequent problems with an evaporator is the accumulation of organic growth. This could be caused by mold or mildew. If this is the case, the sour smells caused by the bacteria can be absorbed by the house and could cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it is important to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some are built to withstand harsh environments, whereas others can work well in moderate environments. In the end, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator has a solid warranty that will ensure your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate the hot or cold air throughout your home until the thermostat setting you have set is reached. The fan can be on auto or continuous. We suggest keeping the fan on at all times for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electricity bills. We could replace the fan motor in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more energy efficient than the older PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air in the home before it is heated or cooling. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating the internal components. It also shields family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or even break down.

Homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis. The label will tell the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional in case they are not 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 how often they use their system, and other personal factors like the presence of allergies or smokers in the house.

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 located on the wall, ceiling or floor of the utility closet. It usually has a large grille made of metal that protects the filters. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they are able to capture various sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able capture larger contaminants such as pet dander or dust mites but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on contrary, are able to capture many different contaminants without restricting normal airflow.