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

Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling or wall of each room. It is recommended to keep them open to allow the proper circulation of air throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is among the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning off and on the fan and compressor to reach a preset temperature. It also turns on the exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.

Most thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermostat. The device contains metals that alter resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor is connected to an microcontroller that converts changing resistance into the temperature reading. There are a variety of thermostats that include smart and programmable thermostats. They allow you to monitor and adjust your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior. They are usually in the rooms most often used. The place of a thermostat within your home may affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for example, may show more heat than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work contact an AC technician.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can reduce your energy costs. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust your home’s temperature according to your schedule instead of having to manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also advisable to see if there is an efficient model, for instance one that is ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working in the way it should. The condenser is made up of a variety of parts that all need to work in harmony in order for the unit to function. If any of these components are damaged or worn out, then the entire system can be impacted. Condenser issues can include a damaged condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser, which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool and return to a liquid form. The liquid that is cooled moves back into the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until it reaches the temperature you want for your home or office.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser working properly is to make sure that the area around it stays free of debris. The condenser’s fans can draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, creating clogs and hindering the cooling system from functioning effectively. It is a good idea to keep your trees and shrubs well-trimmed so that they don’t touch the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts or branches fall into the system and block it. The condenser that is free of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is what is used to move warm air around your home. It is made of a set of tubing which is u-shaped, and placed into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown through these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it 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 moves from hotter to colder objects. When the evaporator is operating properly, the heat energy moves from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to vaporize or boil. During this process the latent heat (which cannot be measured using a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

These coils have been created with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. These are also known as fins, and expand the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are built using copper while others use aluminum, with each having its own set of advantages.

One of the most frequent problems with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This is usually caused by mildew or even mold. If this happens, the bacterium will produce a smell that spreads throughout the house. This may cause discomfort.

It is important to select an evaporator that can be easily maintained and cleaned. It is also a good idea to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to endure harsh environments, whereas others can be used in moderate environments. Also, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator is covered by a solid warranty that will safeguard your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air in your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running at all times for maximum efficiency and to save money on electricity costs. If your system’s fan keeps running, we can replace it with a new ECM blower motor that is up to 70 percent more efficient than older PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the life of the unit.

If your fan is only running on high, the short circuit or malfunctioning relay could be preventing the thermostat settings from reaching the fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air around the house before it is heated or cooled. It removes impurities, and stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It also shields family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or breakdown.

homeowners should change their filters regularly at least 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 help homeowners select the best filter for their home, depending on factors such as the climate, the frequency they use their system and even personal factors such as whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers living in the home.

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

Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which reveals how well they are able to capture 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 it’s not very effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on contrary, are able to capture various contaminants without restricting normal airflow.