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 makes use of propane or natural gas to generate heat for the furnace, while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric unit.

Each room has vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or floors. If possible you can keep them open to ensure that air flows properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial element 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 to pull fresh air from outside your home and vent stale 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 made 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 range of models, including programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are placed on the walls of your house, typically in rooms where they are used most often. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for instance, may show more heat than the actual temperature of the room. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, you can try resetting it however if this does not solve the issue, you should call an AC technician for assistance.

You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can save money on energy bills. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to suit your needs instead of having you manually alter your HVAC system on a regular basis. You should also determine if there’s an energy-efficient model, like one that’s ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it should one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser is made up of many different components that must be working in sync in order for the unit to function. If any of these parts get damaged or worn out, the entire system can be impacted. The most common issues found in the condenser are a malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.

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

To ensure that your condenser is operating correctly, you must ensure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers, grass and other debris may be carried into the unit by the condenser’s fan and cause clogs that prevent proper 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 can enter the system and cause clogging. Clean your condenser to prolong the life of your AC by a minimum of 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator moves warm air in your home. It is comprised of a series of tubing which is shaped like a U and then set into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This transfer heat from the indoor atmosphere 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 heat is transferred from warmer to colder objects. When the evaporator operates 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. In this process, the latent heat (which is not measurable with a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of coils. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper while others make use of aluminum, with each material providing its own set advantages.

A evaporator with a buildup of organic growth is prone to problems. This could be the result of mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacterium may produce a sour smell that spreads throughout the home. This could cause discomfort.

It is essential to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh environments, whereas others can be used in moderate conditions. You should also ensure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty which will protect you and your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air in your home until you get to the temperature you want. The fan can be set to automatic or constant. We recommend 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 previous PSC motors. It will pay for itself over the life of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air in the home before it is heated or cooling. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It also protects family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens that float in the air. It also ensures that the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or to fail.

Homeowners should change their filters on a regular basis. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional if they are unsure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can assist homeowners choose the right filter for their home, in light of factors like temperature, how often they use their system and even personal preferences, for instance, whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers in the house.

The filter is located in the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct may be located on the floor, wall or ceiling, or even in the storage closets, and it often contains a large metal grate that is covered by the filter. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

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 can be used to capture larger contaminants such as pet dander and dust mites but isn’t very effective at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture various contaminants without affecting the normal flow of air.