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 runs on propane or oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling, wall or floor of each room. If possible keep them open to ensure air flows properly throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an important element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching on and off the compressor and fan until they attain a pre-set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside into your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermistor. The device contains metals that change resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor is connected to an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into an indication of temperature. There are many types of thermostats, including smart and programmed thermostats. These allow you to control and adjust your home’s power consumption.

Thermostats are installed on the walls of your home, usually in rooms that are used most often. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. For instance, a thermostat located in direct sunlight may appear hotter than the actual temperature of the room which can cause your system to run too much or not run at all. If your thermostat doesn’t work correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem contact an AC technician.

If you’re thinking about 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. You should also see if there is a more efficient model, such as one that is ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t functioning in the way it should. The condenser is made up of several parts that must be in sync to ensure that the unit functions. The entire system may be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. Condenser issues can include a damaged condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor moves the refrigerant through the condenser which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant cool down and convert back into a liquid state. This liquid at low pressure is cooled and moved back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process is repeated until the desired temperature for your business or home is reached.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser working correctly is to ensure that the area around it stays free of debris. The condenser’s fans can draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, creating obstructions and hindering the cooling system from operating effectively. It is a good idea to keep your trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t touch the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts, or branches will enter the system and block it. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add two or three 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 made up of a set of tubing which is u-shaped, and placed into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown through these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool your indoor air.

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

These coils have been created with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of the coils. Both aluminum and copper are utilized to construct Evaporators, each with distinct advantages.

An evaporator that has a buildup of organic growth is susceptible to issues. This could be caused by mold or mildew. If this is the case, the sour smells that the bacteria produce can be absorbed by the home and can cause discomfort.

To avoid these problems, it is crucial to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the working environment when selecting an evaporator. Some are designed to withstand harsh conditions, while others are suited to moderate environments. Lastly, you will be sure that your evaporator is covered by a solid warranty that will safeguard your investment.

Fan

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

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air throughout the house 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 illnesses spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or even to fail.

homeowners should change their filters on a regular basis. The label will tell them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t sure what type of filter they require and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in choosing the right filter for their home based on the climate, how much they run their system, as well as personal factors such as the presence of smokers or allergies within the home.

The filter is located in the return air duct, or in certain cases, the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct can be located on the wall, floor or ceiling, or even in the in the utility closet. It usually has a large, metal grate that covers the filter. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how efficient they are at collecting different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to catch larger contaminants like dust mites and pet dander, but it’s not very effective at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on contrary, can capture many different contaminants without limiting airflow.