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 uses propane or natural gas, or oil to generate heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric system.

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

Thermostat

The thermostat is an important component of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by turning off and on the compressor and fan to attain a certain temperature. It also activates the air exchanger to help bring fresh air from outside into your home while venting stale, indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However older models are available. Digital thermostats use the thermistor device which is made up of metals that alter electrical resistance when temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into temperature. There are a variety of thermostats, including smart and programmable thermostats. These allow you to monitor and adjust your home’s power consumption.

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 could affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for example it could display 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, you can try reset it however if this does not solve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for help.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You will reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to suit your needs, rather than having you manually adjust your HVAC system on a regular basis. It is also worth checking to determine if you can locate an improved model that could offer you even 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 is made up of numerous components that must be functioning in harmony for the unit to function. The entire system may be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most common issues found in the condenser are a damaged control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to cool down and convert back to a liquid. The low-pressure liquid is chilled and then moved back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process continues until the desired temperature for your home or business is reached.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser working effectively is to ensure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers, grass, and other debris can be carried into the unit by the condenser’s fan and create clogs that hinder the 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 decrease the chances that berries, nuts or branches get into the system and clog it. Keep your condenser clean to prolong the lifespan of your AC by a couple of years.

Evaporator

The evaporator moves warm air in your home. It is made of a series of tubing that is u-shaped and placed into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown across these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.

The law of thermodynamics states heat moves from colder to warmer objects. If the evaporator is operating correctly, this heat energy moves from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into a gas. In this process, heat that cannot be measured by thermometers, also known 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 known as fins, and they increase the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are built using copper while others use aluminum, each offering its own set of advantages.

One of the most common issues with an evaporator is the accumulation of organic growth. This can be caused by mildew or mold. If this is the case, the sour odors produced by the bacteria can be absorbed by the home and can cause discomfort.

It is essential to choose an evaporator that can be easily maintained and cleaned. When choosing an evaporator, it is important to also consider the working environment. Some are built to withstand harsh conditions while others are suited to moderate environments. Lastly, you will want to make sure your evaporator is covered by a solid warranty that will safeguard your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air through your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on at all times for maximum efficiency and to save money on electricity bills. We could replace the fan motor if it is constantly running. The new ECM motor is up to 70 percent more energy efficient than the old PSC motors. It pays for itself over the life of the unit.

If your fan only runs on high, an unbalanced circuit or a malfunctioning relay could be preventing your thermostat settings from reaching the fan.

Filter

The air passes through the filter, before being heated or cooled before being circulated around the house. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating the internal components. It shields the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system works efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and ultimately break down.

homeowners should change their filters frequently – every 30 or 90 days, depending on the directions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t certain which kind of filter they need, they should consult an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in choosing the right filter for their home based on climate and the amount of time they use their system, and other personal factors such as the presence of smokers or allergies within the home.

The filter is typically located at the return air duct, or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is normally situated on the wall, ceiling or floor, or in the in the utility closet. It typically has a large grille made of metal that covers the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to both homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how efficient they are at taking in different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to remove larger particles such as pet dander and dust mites but isn’t very efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on contrary, are able to capture a wide range of contaminants without limiting airflow.