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 makes use of propane or natural gas, or oil to generate heat for the furnace, while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric system.

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

Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in 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 your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats utilize an instrument called a thermistor made of metals that alter the electrical resistance when temperature fluctuations. The thermistor, connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats, including smart and programmed thermostats. They let you monitor and adjust your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are placed on the interior walls of your house, typically in rooms where they are used the most. The location of a thermostat in your home may affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for instance, may show more heat than the actual temperature of the room. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t help contact an AC technician.

Consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You can save money on energy bills. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to suit your needs instead of having to manually alter your HVAC system on a daily basis. You should also check to determine if there’s an efficient model, for instance one that’s ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t functioning in the way it should. The condenser is made up of a number of parts that have to cooperate to make the unit function. The entire system may be affected if any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most common issues found in the condenser are a malfunctioning control board or refrigerant leaks.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant reduce its temperature and then transform to a liquid state. This low-pressure liquid is then removed and cooled before being moved back into the evaporator to continue cooling. The cycle is repeated in order to reach the temperature you desire for your home or office.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser working effectively is to ensure that the area around it is free of any debris. The condenser’s fan could pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, creating clogs and preventing the cooling system from operating efficiently. It’s recommended to keep the bushes and trees in good shape so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This will decrease the chances that nuts, berries or branches can enter the system and clog it. Keep your condenser clean to prolong the lifespan of your AC by a minimum of 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the part that moves warm air into your home. It is comprised of a series of tubes, which are then set into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown through these coils. This is a way of transferring heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states heat is transferred from colder to warmer objects. If the evaporator is operating properly, the energy is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cold air. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into a gas. During this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured with a thermometer) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils have been created with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. These are known as fins, and increase the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both used to build some evaporators, each having their own advantages.

An evaporator that has a buildup of organic growth is prone to issues. This could be caused by mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacterium will produce a smell that spreads throughout the home. This could cause discomfort.

It is crucial to choose an evaporator that can be easily maintained and cleaned. When selecting an evaporator it is essential to think about the working environment. Some evaporators can withstand harsh environments, while others can be used in moderate environments. You should also ensure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.

Fan

The fan in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air through your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and save money on your electric bills. We could replace the fan motor when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more energy efficient than the older PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifespan of the unit.

If your fan is only running on high, a short circuit or a malfunctioning relay could be preventing your thermostat settings from reaching the fan.

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air around the house before it is heated or cool. It eliminates impurities and also stops dust and pet dander from entering into the system to contaminate internal components. It also protects family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens that float in the air. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and can cause it overheat or break down.

Homeowners should replace their filters regularly. The label will inform them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t certain which type of filter they require they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in choosing the right filter for their home based on the climate and how often they use their system, and other personal factors like the presence of smokers or allergies within the home.

The filter is usually 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, floor or utility closet. It usually has a large metal grille that covers the filters. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which reveals how well they capture various sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able filter larger particles such as dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture various contaminants without affecting the normal flow of air.