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, oil or natural gas to create heat for the furnace, while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric system.

Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or on the floor of every room. If possible, keep them open to ensure that air circulation is properly distributed throughout your home.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial component of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning off and on the compressor and fan to reach a preset temperature. It also activates the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside into your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.

The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermosistor. This device has metals that change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is connected to a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into a temperature reading. There are a variety of thermostats including smart and programable thermostats. They let you control and adjust your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in the rooms most frequently used. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. For example the thermostat that is located in direct sunlight might be more hot than the actual room temperature, causing your system to run excessively or not run at all. If your thermostat doesn’t work correctly, try resetting your device. If this doesn’t work, call an AC technician.

If you’re thinking of changing your thermostat, you should check out the different options available and think about a programmable model to save money on your energy costs. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule rather than requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth a look to see if you can find a better model that can give you more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

When your air conditioning isn’t performing as well as it should one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser unit is comprised of a variety of components that must work in harmony for the unit to function. The entire system can be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most common issues found in the condenser are broken control board or refrigerant leaks.

The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pushed into the condenser, where fans blow cool air from outside over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to liquid form. This liquid at low pressure is chilled and then returned to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process is repeated until the temperature you want in your business or home is reached.

The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser operating properly is to make sure that the area around it remains free of debris. The condenser’s fan can draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, creating blockages and preventing the cooling system from operating properly. It’s also a good idea to keep the bushes and trees in good shape so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This will decrease the chances that berries, nuts, or branches get into the system and clog it. Clean your condenser to extend the life of your AC system by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the component that circulates warm air into your home. It is constructed of a series of tubes that are set into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown across these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool your indoor air.

The law of thermodynamics states that heat travels from colder objects to warmer ones. When the evaporator operates properly, the energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cold air. This causes the refrigerant to vaporize or boil. During this process the latent heat (which cannot be measured using a thermometer) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

These coils are designed with special structures that enhance 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 use aluminum, each having its own set of advantages.

One of the most common problems with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be caused by mold or mildew. If this is the case, the sour smells caused by the bacteria will be spread throughout the home and can cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it’s important to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh conditions while others can be used in moderate environments. In the end, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator has a solid guarantee that will protect your investment.

Fan

Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat you set is reached. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bills. If your system’s fan keeps running we can replace it with an ECM blower motor that is up to 70 percent more efficient than older PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan only runs on high, a short circuit or a broken relay could be keeping the thermostat settings from reaching your fan.

Filter

The air passes through the filter before it is heated or cooled before being circulated around the house. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating the internal components. It also shields family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens that float in the air. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and ultimately break down.

The homeowner should change their filters on a regular basis at least every 30 or 90 days, depending on the label instructions. If a homeowner isn’t certain which type of filter they require, they should consult an HVAC professional. A professional can assist homeowners select the best filter for their home, depending on factors such as the climate, the frequency they use their system and even personal factors, for instance, whether there are allergy sufferers in the house.

The filter is usually located at the return air duct, or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct could be located on the wall, floor or ceiling, or in a storage closets, and it typically has a large metal grate that covers the filter. The filter should be accessible to homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.

Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which reveals how effective they are at collecting different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander but isn’t very efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on the other hand, can catch a wide range of contaminants without limiting normal airflow.