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. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric system.

Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling or on the floor of every room. You should keep them open as much as you can to ensure that air circulation is maintained throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential part of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning off and on the compressor and fan to achieve a specific temperature, and it also switches on the air exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside into your home while venting stale, indoor air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats use the thermistor device, which has metals that change electrical resistance when temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is connected to an microcontroller that converts changing resistance into an indication of temperature. Thermostats come in a variety of styles that include programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.

Thermostats are placed on the interior walls of your home, usually in rooms that are used most often. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. For example one thermostat placed in direct sunlight might read hotter than the actual temperature of the room which can cause your system to run excessively or not run at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t help contact an AC technician.

You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust your home’s temperature according to your schedule instead of having you manually manipulate your HVAC system on a regular basis. It is also worth checking to determine if you can locate an alternative that will give you more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t working as efficiently as it is supposed to one of the most frequent causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser unit is comprised of a variety of parts that need to be functioning in harmony for the unit to work. If any of these components get damaged or worn out, the whole system may be affected. The most common issues found in the condenser are damaged control board or leaks of refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pumped into the condenser where a fan blows cool air from outside over the coils. This helps the refrigerant get cool and transform to a liquid. This low-pressure liquid is then cooled and returned to the evaporator to continue cooling. The process 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 effectively is to ensure that the area around it remains clear of debris. The condenser’s fan can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, creating blockages and hindering the cooling system from working effectively. It is recommended to keep trees and bushes in good shape so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This will help to minimize the risk that berries, branches, or nuts could fall and clog the system. Keep your condenser in good condition to extend the life of your AC by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is what circulates warm air inside your home. It is comprised of a series of tubing that is u-shaped and formed into panels. The coils are being blown by the air of the blower. This transfer heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid turns into a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat flows from hotter to colder objects. If the evaporator operates correctly, this heat energy passes from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into a gas. In this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured with a thermometer) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. These are also known as fins, and expand the surface area to help in the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are built using copper, while others are made of aluminum, each having its own set of advantages.

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

To avoid these problems, it is essential to select an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh conditions, while others are suited to moderate environments. Lastly, you will be sure that your evaporator comes with a solid warranty that will protect your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air throughout your home until you get to the temperature you want. The fan can be turned on automatic or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bill. If your system’s fan is constantly running we can replace it with an ECM blower motor, which is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air around the house before it is heated or cooled. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating the internal components. It shields the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or even to fail.

homeowners should change their filters regularly. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure of the type of filter they need. A professional can help homeowners choose the right filter for their home, depending on factors such as the climate, the frequency they use their system, and even personal factors such as whether there are allergy sufferers living in the home.

The filter is typically located in the return air duct or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is usually located on the wall, ceiling or floor, or in the utility closet. It often is covered by a large metal grille that protects the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to both 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 capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to catch larger contaminants like pet dander and dust mites, but it’s not very efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters can snag a variety of contaminants without affecting normal airflow.