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 unit uses propane, oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.

Each room has vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. If possible, keep them open to ensure air circulation is properly distributed throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial component of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by turning on and off the fan and compressor until they reach a set temperature, and it also turns on the air exchanger in order to bring fresh air from outside into your home while exchanging stale indoor air out through your ductwork.

Most thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats make use of a device called a thermistor, which has metals that alter the electrical resistance as temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is connected to a controller converts the resistance change into temperature. There are many types of thermostats that include smart and programmable thermostats. They let you control and alter your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats can be placed on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in rooms that are most frequently used. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for instance could show more heat than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, you can try setting it again, but if this does not solve the issue then you should contact an AC technician for assistance.

If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, check out the various options available for you and think about the possibility of a programmable thermostat to save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system each day. You should also find out if there’s an efficient model, for instance one that is ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working in the way it should. The condenser is made up of a variety of parts that need to work in harmony for the unit to work. If any of these components are damaged or worn out, then the entire system could be affected. The most frequent issues in the condenser are a malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to liquid form. The liquid that is cooled returns to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process continues until the desired temperature for your business or home is achieved.

To ensure that your condenser runs properly, you should ensure that the area around it is clear of debris. The condenser’s fan can draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, causing blockages and hindering the cooling system from functioning effectively. It is a good idea to keep the trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t get in the way of the unit. This will help to minimize the risk 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 moves warm air into your home. It is made of a set of tubing that is u-shaped and formed into panels. The coils are being blown by the air of the blower. This transfers heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid becomes a gas that circulates through the cooling system to cool the air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat travels from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator functions properly, the energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cold air. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into gas. In this process, the latent heat (which is not measurable with thermometers) is transferred from air to refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with special structures that enhance the transfer of heat. They are referred to as fins, and increase the surface area to help in the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are built using copper while others use aluminum, each having its own set of advantages.

One of the most frequent problems with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be a result of mold or mildew. If this is the case, the unpleasant smells that the bacteria produce can be absorbed by the home and can cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it is important to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. When choosing an evaporator, it is essential to think about the working environment. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh conditions, while others can be used in moderate conditions. It is also important to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate the hot or cold air throughout your home until the temperature you set is attained. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running continuously 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% more efficient than old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan is running on the high setting, a malfunctioning relay switch or short circuit could be hindering the settings you input on the thermostat from reaching your fan.

Filter

Air flows through the filter before being heated or cooled before being circulated around the home. It removes impurities, and stops dust and pet dander from entering into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It also shields family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or to fail.

Homeowners need to replace their filters regularly. The label will inform the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional if they are unsure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can assist them in choosing the right filter for their home based on the climate and the amount of time they use their system, and other 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 certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is normally placed on the ceiling, wall or floor of the in the utility closet. It often is covered by a large metal grille that protects the filters. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how effective they are in capturing various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able to capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander however it’s not as effective at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filter can capture many kinds of contaminants while not affecting the normal flow of air.