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 unit uses propane or oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.

Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. It is recommended to keep them open as much as you can to ensure 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 in your home by turning on and off the compressor and fan until they achieve a specific temperature, and it also activates the air exchanger to help bring fresh air from outside into your home, while venting old, indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats make use of a device called a thermistor which is made up of metals that alter electrical resistance when changes in temperature. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are many types of thermostats, including smart and programmed thermostats. These allow you to control and adjust your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are placed on the interior walls of your home, usually in rooms that are used most often. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for instance it could display more heat than the actual temperature of the room. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try reset it, but if this doesn’t fix the problem, you should call an AC technician for help.

Consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can save money on your energy bills. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule, instead of requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also worth checking to determine if you can locate an alternative that will offer you even more energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t working as efficiently as it is supposed to, one of the most common causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser is comprised of a number of parts that have to be in sync to make the unit function. If any of these components get damaged or worn out, the entire system could be affected. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning condenser 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 to get cool and transform to a liquid state. This liquid at low pressure is removed and cooled before being returned to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until the desired temperature in your business or home is reached.

To ensure that your condenser is operating efficiently, make sure that the area surrounding it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers grass and other debris may be carried into the unit by the condenser fan and result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s a good idea also to keep your trees and shrubs well-trimmed so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This reduces the likelihood that berries, nuts or branches will fall into the system and block it. The condenser that is free of debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the component that circulates warm air into your home. It is made of a series of tubes that are arranged into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid turns into a gas that circulates through the cooling system to cool your air.

The thermodynamic law states that heat travels from colder to warmer objects. If the evaporator operates correctly, the energy is transferred from warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into gas. In this process, heat that is not measured by thermometers, referred to as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

The coils are designed with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Some evaporators are built using copper, while others are made of aluminum, with each offering its own set of advantages.

An evaporator that is afflicted with an accumulation of organic growth can be prone to problems. This could be the result of mold or mildew. If this happens, the bacterium will produce a smell that will spread throughout the house. This can cause discomfort.

It is crucial to choose an evaporator that is easily maintained and cleaned. When selecting an evaporator it is crucial to take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Some evaporators are built to withstand harsh environments, while others work well in moderate conditions. It is also important to make sure that your evaporator is covered by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate the hot or cold air throughout your home until the thermostat you set is reached. The fan can be on auto or continuous. We recommend keeping the fan on continuous to maximize efficiency and to cut down on electricity costs. We can replace the fan motor in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is up to 70 percent more energy efficient than the old PSC motors. It is able to pay for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

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

Filter

Air flows through the filter before being warmed or cooled, and then circulated around the home. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating the internal components. It protects the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or even break down.

homeowners should change their filters frequently each 30 days or 90 days, based on the instructions on the label. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure of the type of filter they need. A professional can assist them in selecting the best filter for their home based on the climate and how often they use their system, as well as personal factors like the presence of allergies or smokers in the house.

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 is usually placed on the ceiling, wall or floor of the storage closets. It usually is covered by a large metal grille that protects the filters. The filter should be accessible to both technicians and homeowners for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are assessed based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how efficient they are at collecting different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can take on larger contaminants like pet dander or dust mites but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters, on contrary, are able to capture a wide range of contaminants without restricting normal airflow.