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 generate heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric unit.

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

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning on and shutting off the fan and compressor to achieve a set temperature. It also activates the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside into your home and vent stale air through your ductwork.

Most thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats utilize the thermistor device, which has metals that alter the electrical resistance with changes in temperature. The thermistor is connected to an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into an indication of temperature. Thermostats are available in a range of models that include programmable and smart thermostats that allow you to track your home’s energy usage and make adjustments.

Thermostats are installed on the walls of your home, typically in rooms that are used most often. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for instance it could display a higher temperature than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try reset it, but if this doesn’t fix the problem then you should contact an AC technician for assistance.

If you’re thinking of replacing your thermostat, check out the different options available for you, and consider a programmable model to reduce your energy bills. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system every day. It’s also worth a look to see if you can find an improved model that could provide you with even greater savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t performing properly. The condenser unit is made up of many different parts that all need to work in harmony in order for the unit to function. The entire system can be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. Condenser problems include a broken control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser where a fan blows cool air from outside over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to liquid form. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled moves back into the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process continues until the desired temperature in your business or home is reached.

To keep your condenser running properly, you should ensure that the area surrounding it is free of debris. The condenser’s fan can draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, causing obstructions and preventing the cooling system from operating efficiently. It is a good idea to keep the trees and shrubs well-trimmed so that they don’t get in the way of the unit. This will decrease the chances that nuts, berries or branches can get into the system and block it. Clean your condenser to prolong the life of your AC by a minimum of 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the part that moves warm air into your home. It is made of a series u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown across these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool the air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat moves from colder to hot objects. When the evaporator functions properly, the energy is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cold air. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into a gas. During this process, the heat that is not measured by thermometers, referred to as latent heat is transferred from the 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. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper while others use aluminum, with each having its own set of advantages.

One of the most common issues with an evaporator is the accumulation of organic growth. This can be the result of mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacteria will produce a smell that can spread throughout the house. This can cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it is crucial to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also recommended to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh conditions, while others are suited to moderate conditions. In the end, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator has a solid warranty to protect your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air through your home until you get to the temperature you want. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running continuous to maximize 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 lifetime of the unit.

If your fan is only operating at the highest setting, a malfunctioning relay switch or short circuit could be blocking the settings you set on the thermostat from reaching the fan.

Filter

The air passes through the filter before it is heated or cooled before being circulated around the house. It removes impurities, and stops dust and pet dander from entering into the system to contaminate internal components. It shields the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or even breakdown.

The homeowner should change their filters regularly at least every 30 days or 90 days, depending on the directions on the label. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional in case they are not sure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can assist them in choosing the most appropriate filter for their home based on climate and the amount of time they use their system, and personal factors like the presence of allergies or smokers 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 is normally situated on the wall, ceiling or floor of the in the utility closet. It often has a large grille made of metal that protects the filters. The filter should be accessible to both technicians and homeowners to make it easy to clean and replace.

Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which reveals how well they can capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on other hand, can catch various contaminants without limiting normal airflow.