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 all-electric HVAC unit runs on propane or oil as well as natural gas to heat the furnace.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling, wall or floor of every room. You should keep them open if possible to ensure the proper circulation of air throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential component of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by switching on and off the fan and compressor to reach a preset 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, however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats make use of the thermistor device made of metals that alter electrical resistance with temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is linked to a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into a temperature reading. There are many types of thermostats that include smart and programmable thermostats. These allow you to control and alter your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms most often used. The location of a thermostat inside your home can affect its accuracy. For example, a thermostat located in direct sunlight might read hotter than the actual temperature of the room which can cause your system to run excessively or not run at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem then contact an AC technician.

If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, check out the different options available to you and consider a programmable model to save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system on a daily basis. You should also determine if there’s an energy-efficient model, like one that’s ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t working as efficiently as it should one of the most frequent causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser consists of several components that cooperate to make the unit function. The entire system may be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. Condenser issues can include a damaged control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant through the condenser which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to a liquid form. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled is redirected back to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process continues until the desired temperature for your business or home is reached.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser operating correctly is to ensure that the area around it remains free of any debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers grass and other debris could be taken into the unit by the condenser fan. This can cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It’s also a good idea to keep the trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t touch the unit. This will reduce the chance that branches, berries or nuts could fall on the system and cause a blockage. The condenser that is free 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 made up of a set of tubing which is shaped like a U and then set into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown across these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat flows from hotter to colder objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the heat energy moves from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process, the heat that cannot be measured using thermometers, also known as latent heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are designed with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of coils. Some evaporators are built using copper, while others are made of aluminum, with each material providing its own set advantages.

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

It is essential to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to stand up to harsh conditions, while others work well in moderate ones. Also, you’ll be sure that your evaporator has a solid warranty that will ensure your investment.

Fan

The fan in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air throughout your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bills. If your system’s fan keeps running We can replace it with a brand new ECM blower motor that is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the duration of the unit.

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

Filter

The air passes through the filter before it is heated or cooled before being circulated around the house. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures that the system works efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or 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. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional when they aren’t sure about the kind of filter they require. A professional can assist them in selecting the most appropriate filter for their home based on climate, how much they run their system, as well as personal factors like the presence of allergy sufferers or smokers within the home.

The filter is situated in the return air duct, or in certain cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is normally located on the wall, ceiling, floor or utility closet. It usually has a large metal grille that protects the filters. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians to aid in cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how effective they are in collecting different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can filter larger particles such as pet dander or dust mites but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters on the other hand, can catch various contaminants without restricting normal airflow.