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 is powered by propane, oil or natural gas to create heat for the furnace, while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric system.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or wall of each room. It is recommended to keep them open if possible to ensure that air circulation is maintained throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial component of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning on and off the compressor and fan to achieve a specific temperature, and it also activates the air exchanger to help pull fresh, outside air into your home, while venting stale, indoor air through your ductwork.

Most thermostats are digital, although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermistor. This device has metals which change resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor is linked to an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into an indication of temperature. There are many types of thermostats including smart and programmable thermostats. These allow you to control and adjust your home’s power consumption.

Thermostats are placed on the interior walls of your home, typically 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 be more hot than the actual room temperature and cause your system to run excessively or not operate 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.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You’ll save money on energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to suit your needs instead of having to manually alter your HVAC system on a regular basis. You should also determine if there’s a more efficient model, for instance one that’s ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working as well as it should. The condenser is made up of numerous parts that need to be working in sync for the unit to function. If any of these components are damaged or worn out, the entire system can be impacted. The most common problems found in the condenser are broken 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 gas cooling and to return to a liquid form. This low-pressure liquid is then removed and cooled before being moved back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until the desired temperature in your home or business is reached.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser working properly is to make sure that the area around it remains free of debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers, grass and other debris may be carried into the unit by the condenser’s fan and cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It is also a good idea to keep the bushes and trees in good shape so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This reduces the likelihood that berries, nuts, or branches can fall into the system and block it. Clean your condenser to extend the life of your AC by a couple of years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is what circulates warm air inside your home. It is made of a series u-shaped tubes, which are then set into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This is a way of transferring heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool the 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 heat up or evaporate into gas. During this process, the heat that cannot be measured using thermometers, referred to as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.

The coils are made with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of coils. Some evaporators are built using copper while others use aluminum, with each material providing its own set advantages.

One of the most frequent problems with evaporators is the accumulation of organic growth. This can be a result of mold or mildew. If this is the case, the foul odors produced by the bacteria will be circulated throughout the home and can cause discomfort.

It is important to select an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. When choosing an evaporator, it is crucial to take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Some evaporators are built to endure harsh environments, whereas others work well in moderate conditions. You should also make sure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty which will protect you and your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air through your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can be set to automatic or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and reduce your electric 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 the old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan only operates on high, a short circuit or a broken relay could be preventing your thermostat from adjusting to the fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air throughout the house before it is heated or cooled. It eliminates impurities and also stops dust and pet dander getting into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It also protects family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system works efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and may cause it overheat or break down.

Homeowners need to 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 they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners select the best filter for their home in light of factors like climate, how often they use their system, and even personal factors for instance, whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers in the house.

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

Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how effective they are at collecting different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV will be able to take on larger contaminants like dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on the other hand, can catch many different contaminants without restricting normal airflow.