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 generate heat for the furnace, while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric unit.

Every room has vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. You should keep them open as much as you can to ensure the proper circulation of air throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by switching on and off the fan and compressor to attain a pre-set temperature. It also activates the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside your home and vent stale air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats utilize the thermistor device, which has metals that change electrical resistance as temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is connected to an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into a temperature reading. There are many types of thermostats, including smart and programable thermostats. They allow you to control and adjust your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are placed on the walls of your home, usually in rooms where they are most frequently used. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. For instance, a thermostat located in direct sunlight might read hotter than the actual room temperature which can cause your system to run too much or not operate at all. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work contact an AC technician.

If you’re thinking about replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the various options available to you and consider a programmable model to reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system every day. You should also check to find out if there’s an energy-efficient model, such as one that is ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t working as efficiently as it is supposed to, one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser is made up of numerous parts that all need to be functioning in harmony in order for the unit to function. If any of these components become damaged or wear out, the entire system may be affected. The most common issues found in the condenser are broken control board or refrigerant leaks.

The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to cool down and convert back to a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled moves back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until the desired temperature in your business or home is reached.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser operating correctly is to ensure that the area around it stays free of debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers, grass and other debris may be carried into the unit by the condenser fan. This can cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It is also a good idea to keep bushes and trees trimmed so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This reduces the likelihood that nuts, berries or branches will fall into the system and block it. The condenser that is free of debris can add two or three years to the lifespan of your AC system.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the part that circulates warm air into your home. It is made of a series of tubes that are set into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This is a way of transferring heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool your indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat flows from hotter to colder objects. When the evaporator operates properly, the energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cool air. This causes the refrigerant gas to vaporize or boil. During this process, the heat that is not measured with thermometers, referred to as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.

These coils are constructed with special structures that enhance the transfer of heat. These are known as fins, and they 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.

A evaporator with a buildup of organic growth is susceptible to problems. This can be the result of mildew or mold. If this is the case, the sour smells caused by the bacteria can be absorbed by the house and could cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it’s important to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the working environment when selecting an evaporator. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh conditions, while others can work well in moderate conditions. It is also important to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty which will safeguard you and your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate the cold or hot air throughout your home until the temperature you set is reached. The fan can be turned on auto or continuous. We recommend that you keep the fan on constant 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 that is up to 70 percent more efficient than older PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan is operating at the highest setting, a broken relay switch or short circuit could be blocking the settings you set on the thermostat from reaching the fan.

Filter

The air passes through the filter before it is heated or cooled before being circulated throughout the home. It removes impurities and also stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It also protects family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens that float in the air. It also ensures that the system works efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and ultimately break down.

Homeowners should replace their filters regularly – every 30 days or 90 days, depending on the label instructions. If a homeowner isn’t certain what kind of filter they should use and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can assist homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home, based on factors like temperature, how often they use their system and even personal factors like whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers living in the home.

The filter is usually found at the return air duct or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct can be located on the wall, floor or ceiling, or in a utility closet, and it typically has a large metal grate which covers the filter. The filter should be easily accessible to both homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.

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 can be used to remove larger particles such as dust mites and pet dander however it’s not as effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on contrary, are able to capture a wide range of contaminants without limiting normal airflow.