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 of an electric HVAC unit runs on propane, oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.

Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or floors. You should keep them open to allow proper air flow throughout your home.

Thermostat

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

The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats make use of a device called a thermistor which is made up of metals that change electrical resistance when temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats come in a variety of options including programmable and intelligent thermostats that let you track your home’s energy usage and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in the rooms most frequently used. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. For example the thermostat that is located in direct sunlight might read hotter than the actual temperature of the room and cause your system to run excessively or not run at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t help contact an AC technician.

You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You can reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to suit your needs, rather than having you manually adjust your HVAC system on a daily basis. You should also determine if there’s an energy-efficient model, like one that is ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t performing in the way it should. The condenser is comprised of a number of parts that have to be in sync to ensure that the unit functions. The entire system may be affected if any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most common issues found in the condenser include a malfunctioning control board or refrigerant leaks.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser, where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform into a liquid state. The liquid that is cooled is redirected back to the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated in order to reach the desired temperature for your office or home.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser operating properly is to make sure that the area around it stays free of debris. The condenser’s fans can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, causing blockages and hindering the cooling system from operating properly. It’s recommended to keep bushes and trees trimmed so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This can reduce the possibility that branches, berries, or even nuts fall on the system and cause a blockage. Keep your condenser in good condition to prolong the life of your AC system by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that circulates warm air into your home. It is comprised of a series u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This transfers heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool your indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat moves from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator operates correctly, the heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cool air. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate. In this process, heat that cannot be measured by a thermometer, known as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.

The coils are made with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of the coils. Aluminum and copper are both used to make evaporators, each with their own advantages.

One of the most common problems with an evaporator is the accumulation of organic growth. This could be caused by mold or mildew. If this is the case, the unpleasant odors produced by the bacteria will be circulated throughout the house and may cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is essential to think about the working environment. Some evaporators can withstand harsh environments, while others can be used in moderate environments. It is also important to make sure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate the cold or hot air throughout your home until the thermostat you have set is attained. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bills. We can replace the fan motor in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is up to 70 percent more efficient than the previous PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan is operating at the high setting, a malfunctioning relay switch or short circuit may be preventing the settings you enter on the thermostat from reaching your fan.

Filter

Air flows through the filter, before being heated or cooled before being circulated throughout the home. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating internal components. It shields the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures 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 change their filters regularly. The label will inform them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional in case they are not sure about the kind of filter they require. A professional can help homeowners select the best filter for their home based on factors like the climate, the frequency they use their system and even personal preferences, such as whether there are allergy sufferers in the house.

The filter is typically located at the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct could be located on the wall, floor, ceiling, or in the utility closet. It usually has a large, metal grate that is covered by the filter. The filter should be easily accessible to both technicians and homeowners for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they can capture different sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able filter larger particles such as dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture a variety of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect the normal flow of air.