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

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

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most crucial components 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 in order to draw fresh air from outside into your home and vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However older models are available. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermosistor. This device has metals that alter resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a controller converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats, including smart and programable thermostats. These allow you to control and adjust your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are placed on the walls of your house, typically in rooms that are most frequently used. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. For example, a thermostat located in direct sunlight could read hotter than the actual temperature of the room and cause your system to overrun or not run at all. If your thermostat doesn’t work correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t help then contact an AC technician.

Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your current thermostat. You’ll reduce your energy costs. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also advisable to see if there is an efficient model, such as one that is ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it should. The condenser consists of a number of parts that have to work together to ensure that the unit functions. The entire system could be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. The most common issues found in the condenser include a damaged control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pushed into the condenser where the fan blows cool air from outside over the coils. This helps the refrigerant cool down and convert back to a liquid. The low-pressure liquid is cooled and returned to the evaporator to continue cooling. The cycle is repeated until it reaches the temperature you desire for your home or office.

To ensure that your condenser is operating correctly, you must ensure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers, grass and other debris could 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 cut back so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts, or branches get into the system and block it. The condenser that is free of debris can add two or three years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is used to move warm air around your home. It is made of a series of 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 to cool the indoor air.

The thermodynamic law states that heat travels from warmer to colder objects. If the evaporator operates correctly, the energy is transferred from warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. The refrigerant gas causes to boil or evaporate. In this process, the latent heat (which is not measurable with thermometers) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

The coils are made with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. These are also known as fins and increase the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper while others make use of aluminum, with each material having its own set of advantages.

One of the most common issues with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This could be the result of mold or mildew. If this happens, the bacterium will produce a smell that spreads throughout the home. This can cause discomfort.

It is important to select an evaporator that is easily maintained and cleaned. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh conditions while others are suited to moderate environments. It is also important to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty which will protect you and your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate the cold or hot air throughout your home until the thermostat you have set is attained. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on at all times for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electric bills. We can replace the motor of the fan if it is constantly running. The new ECM motor is up to 70 percent more efficient than the older PSC motors. It will pay for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

If your fan is operating at the high setting, a broken relay switch or short circuit could be preventing the settings you enter on the thermostat from reaching your fan.

Filter

Air passes through the filter, before being heated or cooled before being circulated around the house. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating the 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 functions efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or even to fail.

The homeowner should change their filters regularly each 30 or 90 days, depending on the instructions on the label. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can assist homeowners choose the right filter for their home, depending on factors such as climate, how often they use their system, and even personal preferences, such as whether there are allergy sufferers in the house.

The filter is typically located in the return air duct or, in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is typically situated on the ceiling, wall or floor of the storage closets. It typically is covered by a large metal grille that protects the filters. Ideally, the filter is accessible to homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which reveals how well they are able to capture various sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able take on larger contaminants like dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on contrary, are able to capture various contaminants without limiting normal airflow.