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, or oil to generate heat for the furnace while electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric system.

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

Thermostat

The thermostat is an important part of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by switching off and on the compressor and fan until they achieve a specific temperature, and also activates the air exchanger to help bring fresh air from outside into your home, while venting stale, indoor air out through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermistor. This device has metals which change resistance as temperatures change. The thermistor, connected to a controller converts the resistance change into a temperature. Thermostats are available in a range of models including programmable and intelligent thermostats that allow you to monitor your home’s energy consumption and make adjustments.

Thermostats are installed on the interior walls of your home, usually in rooms that are most frequently used. The location of a thermostat in your home can affect its accuracy. For instance one thermostat placed in direct sunlight may read hotter than the actual room temperature and cause your system to run too much or not even run at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, you can try setting it again, but if this does not solve the issue, you should call an AC technician for assistance.

If you’re thinking of replacing your thermostat, check out the different options available for you, and consider a thermostat that is programmable to help save money on your energy costs. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your preferences, rather than requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system every day. It is also worth checking to determine if you can locate an alternative that will offer you even more savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working in the way it should. The condenser is made up of a variety of parts that need to be working in sync in order for the unit to function. If any of these parts get damaged or worn out, the whole system could be affected. Condenser problems include a broken control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor moves the refrigerant into the condenser, where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform to a liquid state. This cooled low-pressure liquid then moves back into the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until it reaches the temperature you want for your home or office.

To keep your condenser running efficiently, make sure that the area around it is clean of any debris. Leaves, twigs, grass and other debris could be carried into the unit by the condenser fan. This can cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It’s a good idea also to keep the trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts, or branches will get into the system and clog it. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add 1-2 additional years to the life of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the thing that is used to move warm air around your home. It is constructed of a series u-shaped tubes, which are then set into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown across these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool your indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat is transferred from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator is operating properly, the energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cool air. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured using a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

These coils are designed with special structures that enhance the transfer of heat. They are referred to as fins and expand the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are built using copper while others make use of aluminum, each having its own set of advantages.

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

To avoid these problems, it is important to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. When choosing an evaporator, it is essential to consider the working environment. Certain evaporators are designed to endure harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate environments. Also, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator has a solid warranty that will safeguard your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air in your home until you get to the temperature you want. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bills. If your system’s fan keeps running we can replace it with an ECM blower motor which is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the duration of the unit.

If your fan is operating at the high setting, a damaged 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 being heated or cooled before being circulated around the house. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating the 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 works efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and eventually break down.

homeowners should change their filters on a regular basis – every 30 days or 90 days, depending on the instructions on the label. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional in case they are not sure of the type of filter they need. A professional can assist them in choosing the most appropriate filter for their home based on climate, how much they run their system, and personal factors such as the presence of smokers or allergies in the house.

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

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