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 of an electric HVAC unit runs on propane, oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.

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

Thermostat

A thermostat is among the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning on and shutting off the compressor and fan to reach a preset temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.

Most thermostats are digital, however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermosistor. This device has metals which change resistance as temperatures change. The thermistor, connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats including smart and programmed thermostats. These allow you to control and adjust your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior. They are usually in rooms that are most often used. The place of a thermostat within your home may affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for instance, 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 the device. If this doesn’t work, call an AC technician.

You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You’ll reduce your energy costs. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to suit your needs instead of having you manually alter your HVAC system on a regular basis. It’s also worth a look to see if you can find an alternative that will provide you with even greater energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.

Condenser

Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t functioning properly. The condenser unit is comprised of numerous parts that need to work in harmony in order for the unit to function. If any of these components get damaged or worn out, the entire system could be affected. The most frequent issues in the condenser include a malfunctioning 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 get cool and transform into a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid is chilled and then returned to the evaporator to continue cooling. The cycle is repeated until the desired temperature for your home or business is reached.

To ensure that your condenser is operating properly, you should ensure that the area around it is free of debris. The condenser’s fan can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, causing clogs and hindering the cooling system from operating effectively. It is important to keep trees and bushes trimmed so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This will reduce the possibility that branches, berries, or even nuts fall on the system and cause a blockage. Keep your condenser clean to prolong the life of your AC by a couple of years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is what is used to move warm air around your home. It is comprised of a series u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This transfer heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool your indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states heat travels from colder objects to warmer ones. When the evaporator is operating correctly, the energy moves from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process, the heat that is not measured by thermometers, also known as latent heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils have been created with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. These are also known as fins, and they expand the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are made of copper while others make use of aluminum, with each offering its own set of advantages.

One of the most frequent issues with an evaporator is the accumulation of organic growth. This could be caused by mold or mildew. If this is the case, the sour smells that the bacteria produce can be absorbed by the house and may cause discomfort.

It is important to select an evaporator that can be easily maintained and cleaned. It is also a good idea to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Some are designed to withstand harsh conditions, while others can be used in moderate environments. You should also ensure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty which will protect you and your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air in your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on continuous to maximize efficiency and to save money on electricity bills. If your system’s fan is constantly running we can replace it with a new ECM blower motor, which is up to 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the life of the unit.

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

Filter

The filter is used to circulate air throughout the house before it is heated or cool. It removes impurities and prevents dust and pet dander getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It also shields family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and break down.

homeowners should replace their filters regularly. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional in case they are not sure of the type of filter they require. A professional can assist them in choosing the right filter for their home based on the climate, how much they run their system, and personal factors like the presence of allergies or smokers within the home.

The filter is usually found at the return air duct or, in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is normally situated on the wall, ceiling, floor or storage closets. It typically is covered by a large metal grille that protects the filters. The filter should be accessible to both technicians and homeowners for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they are able to capture different sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to catch larger contaminants like pet dander and dust mites but isn’t very efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters on the contrary, are able to capture a wide range of contaminants without limiting normal airflow.