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 unit uses propane or oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.
Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling or wall of every room. It is recommended to keep them open to allow proper air flow throughout your home.
Thermostat
A thermostat is among the most important parts of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning off and on the compressor and fan to attain a pre-set temperature. It also activates the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital, although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats make use of a device called a thermistor which is made up of metals that change electrical resistance when temperature changes. The thermistor is connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats including smart and programmed thermostats. They allow you to control and alter your home’s energy consumption.
Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior. They are usually in the rooms that are most frequently used. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for example it could display more heat than the actual temperature of the room. This can cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work contact an AC technician.
If you’re thinking of replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the different options available to you, and consider a thermostat that is programmable to help save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to suit your needs, rather than having you manually adjust 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 A STAR-certified thermostat.
Condenser
Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working as well as it should. The condenser consists of several components that cooperate to make the unit function. The entire system can be affected if any of these components are damaged or worn out. Condenser problems include a broken condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pumped into the condenser, where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform to a liquid state. This cooled low-pressure liquid then is redirected back to the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The process repeats until it reaches the desired temperature for your home or office.
To keep your condenser running properly, you should ensure that the area around it is free of debris. The condenser’s fans can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, creating obstructions and preventing the cooling system from operating effectively. It’s a good idea also to keep the trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t get in the way of the unit. This can reduce the chance that branches, berries or even nuts fall on the system and cause a blockage. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the lifespan of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the 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 set into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This transfers heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes a gas that circulates through the cooling system to cool your air.
The law of thermodynamics states heat travels from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator functions properly, the energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the warm air. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into gas. During this process the latent heat (which cannot be measured with a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.
The coils are made with special structures that enhance the transfer of heat. They are referred to as fins and increase the surface area to help in the transfer of heat. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper while others use aluminum, each having its own set of advantages.
A evaporator with an accumulation of organic growth is prone to issues. This is usually caused by mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacterium may produce a sour smell that will spread throughout the house. This could cause discomfort.
It is important to select an evaporator that is easily maintained and cleaned. It is also recommended to consider the working environment when selecting an evaporator. Some evaporators can endure harsh environments, whereas others work well in moderate conditions. Lastly, you will want to ensure that your evaporator has a solid guarantee that will protect your investment.
Fan
The fan in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air throughout your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can be on auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on at all times for maximum efficiency and to save money on electricity bills. If your system’s fan is constantly running we can replace it with a new ECM blower motor, which is up to 70 percent more efficient than older PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the duration of the unit.
If your fan is operating at the high setting, a malfunctioning relay switch or short circuit may be hindering the settings you input on the thermostat from reaching your fan.
Filter
Air flows through the filter before being heated or cooled before being circulated around the house. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating the internal components. It shields the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or to fail.
homeowners should change their filters frequently – every 30 days or 90 days, based on the instructions on the label. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure about the kind of filter they require. A professional can assist homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home, depending on factors such as climate, how often they use their system and even personal factors, such as whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers living in the home.
The filter is situated in the return air duct or in certain cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct could be located on the floor, wall or ceiling, or in a utility closet, and it usually has a large, metal grate that is covered by the filter. The filter should be accessible to homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.
Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they can capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can 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 various contaminants without restricting normal airflow.
