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

Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling, walls or floors. It is recommended to keep them open to allow that air circulation is maintained throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching off and on the compressor and fan to achieve a specific temperature. It also activates the air exchanger to help bring fresh air from outside into your home while venting old, indoor air through your ductwork.

Most thermostats are digital, although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermosistor. This device has metals that change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into temperature. There are a variety of thermostats that include smart and programable thermostats. They allow you to control and adjust your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in the rooms that are most frequently used. The location of a thermostat inside your home may affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for example it could display more heat than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t operating correctly, try reset it however if this does not resolve the issue, you should call an AC technician for help.

If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the various options available for you, and consider a programmable model to reduce your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule instead of having to manually alter your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also advisable to find out if there’s an energy-efficient model, such as one that’s ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working in the way it should. The condenser is comprised of several components that cooperate to function. The entire system can be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most common problems found in the condenser are malfunctioning control board or refrigerant leaks.

The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pushed into the condenser, where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool and return to a liquid state. This cooled low-pressure liquid then is redirected back to the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated until the temperature you want in your home or business is reached.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser running correctly is to ensure that the area around it stays clear of debris. The condenser’s fans can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, creating blockages and preventing the cooling system from operating efficiently. It’s a good idea also to keep the trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t get in the way of the unit. This will decrease the chances that berries, nuts, or branches fall into the system and block it. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a component that moves warm air into your home. It is comprised of a series of u-shaped tubes, which are then set into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This transfers heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.

The thermodynamics law states that heat is transferred from hotter to colder objects. If the evaporator operates properly, the heat energy passes from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into a gas. During this process, the latent heat (which is not measurable with a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

These coils are designed 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, each having its own set of advantages.

A evaporator with a buildup of organic growth is prone to issues. This can be caused by mildew or mold. If this is the case, the foul smells caused by the bacteria will be circulated throughout the house and may cause discomfort.

It is crucial to choose an evaporator that is easily maintained and cleaned. It is also recommended to consider the working environment when selecting an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to withstand harsh environments, while others can be used in moderate environments. You will also want to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air through your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and save money on your electric bills. If your system’s fan is continuously running We can replace it with a brand new ECM blower motor that is up to 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate the air around the house before it is heated or cool. It removes impurities and prevents dust and pet dander from entering into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It also shields family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and break down.

Homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis each 30 or 90 days, depending on the directions on the label. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional when they aren’t sure of the type of filter they need. A professional can help homeowners select the best filter for their home in light of factors like the climate, the frequency they use their system, and even personal preferences, such as whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers in the home.

The filter is typically located in the return air duct or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct can be located on the floor, wall, ceiling, or storage closets, and it typically has a large metal grate which covers the filter. The filter should be accessible to both homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.

Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how effective they are at collecting different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able to capture larger contaminants such as pet dander and dust mites however it’s not as effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on contrary, can capture many different contaminants without limiting normal airflow.