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, oil or natural gas to generate heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric unit.
Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling or walls, or floors. If possible, keep them open to ensure air flows properly throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is a crucial part of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by turning off and on the compressor and fan until they reach a set temperature, and also switches on the air exchanger to draw fresh air from outside into your home, while exchanging stale indoor air through your ductwork.
Most thermostats are digital, however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermistor. The device is made of metals which change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a control unit, 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 energy consumption and make adjustments.
Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in the rooms that are most often used. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for example, may show an upper temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This can cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting it, but if this does not resolve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for assistance.
If you’re thinking of changing your thermostat, you should check out the different options available for you, and consider the possibility of a programmable thermostat to reduce your energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule, instead of having to manually adjust your HVAC system each day. It’s also worth a look to determine if you can locate an improved model that could provide you with even greater energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.
Condenser
Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working as well as it should. The condenser is comprised of a number of parts that have to work together to function. 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 are malfunctioning control board or refrigerant leaks.
The compressor pushes the refrigerant through the condenser which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to a liquid form. The liquid that is cooled returns to the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process continues until the temperature you want in your home or business is reached.
The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser running properly is to make sure that the area around it remains free of any debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers grass and other debris could be carried into the unit by the condenser fan and cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It is important to keep trees and bushes cut back so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This will reduce the possibility that branches, berries or even nuts fall and clog the system. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the lifespan of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the part that allows warm air to enter your home. It is comprised of a string of tubing that 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 turns into a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.
The thermodynamics law states that heat is transferred from hotter to colder objects. When the evaporator is operating correctly, the energy passes from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to vaporize or boil. In this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured using thermometers) is transferred from air to refrigerant.
These coils have been created with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. These are also known as fins and expand the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Aluminum and copper are both used to make Evaporators, each with its own advantages.
An evaporator that is afflicted with an accumulation of organic growth is susceptible to issues. This can be a result of mold or mildew. If this is the case, the sour odors produced by the bacteria can be absorbed by the home and can cause discomfort.
It is essential to choose an evaporator that can be easily maintained and cleaned. When choosing an evaporator, it is crucial to consider the working environment. Some evaporators are built to stand up to harsh conditions, while others work well in moderate conditions. It is also important to ensure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.
Fan
The blower fan of your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air throughout your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and reduce your electricity bills. If your system’s fan keeps running, we can replace it with an ECM blower motor that 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 only runs on high, a short circuit or a broken relay could be preventing your thermostat settings from reaching your fan.
Filter
The filter is used to circulate air throughout the house before it is heated or cooling. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It also protects family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or even breakdown.
homeowners should change their filters on a regular basis – every 30 days or 90 days, based on the instructions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t certain which type of filter they require they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners choose the right filter for their home in light of factors like climate, how often they use their system, and even personal preferences, such as whether there are allergy or smokers 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 located on the ceiling, wall or floor of the in the utility closet. It typically has a large metal grille that covers the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.
Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they can capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to capture larger contaminants such as pet dander and dust mites but isn’t very efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters on the other hand, can catch many different contaminants without limiting airflow.