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 in an all-electric HVAC system uses propane or oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.

Each room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling, walls or floors. If you can keep them open to ensure that air circulation is properly distributed throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning on and shutting off the compressor and fan to attain a pre-set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside into your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermosistor. The device contains metals which change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a controller converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats are available in variety of styles, including programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are installed on the interior walls of your house, typically in rooms that are used most often. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. For instance the thermostat that is located in direct sunlight could read hotter than the actual room temperature which can cause your system to overrun or not even run at all. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t help, call an AC technician.

If you’re thinking of replacing your thermostat, check out the various options available, and consider the possibility of a programmable thermostat to reduce your energy bills. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule, instead of requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth checking to see if you can find an improved model that could give you more energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t performing properly. The condenser unit is comprised of a variety of parts that need to be functioning in harmony for the unit to function. The entire system can be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. The most common problems found in the condenser are malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to cool down and convert back to a liquid. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled is redirected back to the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until the desired temperature for your business or home is reached.

To keep your condenser running efficiently, make sure that the area around it is clear of debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers grass and other debris may be sucked 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 the trees and shrubs well-trimmed so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This can reduce the possibility that branches, berries, or even nuts fall and block the system. Keep your condenser in good condition to prolong the life of your AC system by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the part that moves warm air into your home. It is constructed of a series u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown across these coils. This transfers heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat flows from colder to hot objects. If the evaporator is operating correctly, the heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cool air. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into a gas. In this process, the latent heat (which is not measurable with thermometers) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are designed with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. These are known as fins and expand the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both utilized to construct evaporators, each having its own advantages.

One of the most frequent problems with evaporators is an accumulation of organic growth. This is usually caused by mold or mildew. If this happens, the bacteria may produce a sour smell that spreads throughout the house. This can cause discomfort.

It is important to select an evaporator which can be easily maintained and cleaned. When choosing an evaporator, it is essential to take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Some evaporators can stand up to harsh conditions, while others can be used in moderate environments. You will also want to ensure that your evaporator is covered by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate the cool or hot air through your home until the temperature you have set is attained. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on at all times for maximum efficiency and to save money on electricity costs. We could replace the fan motor if it is constantly running. The new ECM motor is up to 70% more energy efficient than the previous PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

If your fan is operating at the high setting, a damaged relay switch or short circuit may be blocking the settings you set on the thermostat from reaching the fan.

Filter

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 internal components. It safeguards the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or breakdown.

Homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis – every 30 or 90 days, depending on the label instructions. If a homeowner isn’t certain which kind of filter they should use they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in selecting the best filter for their home based on the climate, how much they run their system, as well as personal factors such as the presence of allergies or smokers in the house.

The filter is usually found in the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct can be found on the floor, wall or ceiling, or in a in the utility closet. It usually has a large, metal grate that covers the filter. The filter should be accessible to both homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.

Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how effective they are at capturing various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to catch larger contaminants like dust mites and pet dander however it’s not as effective at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters on the other hand, can catch many different contaminants without restricting normal airflow.