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 all-electric HVAC unit runs on propane or oil as well as natural gas to heat the furnace.

Each room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. You should keep them open if possible to ensure that air circulation is maintained throughout your home.

Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching off and on the compressor and fan until they achieve a specific temperature, and it also switches on the air exchanger to help bring fresh air from outside into your home, while venting old, indoor air out through your ductwork.

Most thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermosistor. The device is made of metals which change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are a variety of thermostats including smart and programmed thermostats. These allow you to monitor and alter your home’s energy consumption.

Thermostats are located on the interior walls of your house, typically in rooms where they are used the most. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. For instance one thermostat placed in direct sunlight might appear hotter than the actual temperature of the room which can cause your system to run too much or not run at all. If your thermostat doesn’t work correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work, call an AC technician.

If you’re thinking about replacing your thermostat, check out the different options available to you and consider a thermostat that is programmable to help reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule, instead of needing you to manually operate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also worth checking to determine if you can locate a better model that can offer you even more energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.

Condenser

If your air conditioner isn’t working as efficiently as it is supposed to, one of the most common causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser is comprised of several parts that must work together to ensure that the unit functions. The entire system may be affected when 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 refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser where a fan blows cool air from outside over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool and return to liquid form. This cooled low-pressure liquid then returns to the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process continues until the desired temperature in your home or business is reached.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that 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 obstructions and hindering the cooling system from working properly. It’s also a good idea to keep your trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the possibility that branches, berries, or nuts will fall and block the system. Keep your condenser in good condition to prolong the lifespan of your AC by 1-2 years.

Evaporator

The evaporator is used to move warm air around your home. It is comprised of a string of tubing which is shaped like a U and then placed into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown across these coils. This is a way of transferring heat from the indoor air 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 moves from colder to hot objects. If the evaporator operates correctly, this heat energy passes from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant gas to boil or evaporate. In this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured using a thermometer) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.

The coils are designed with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. Fins are used to increase the surface area of the coils. Copper and aluminum are both utilized to construct evaporators, each having its own advantages.

An evaporator that has an accumulation of organic growth is susceptible to issues. This is usually caused by mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacterium can produce a foul smell that can spread throughout the home. This may cause discomfort.

To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to choose an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some are designed to withstand harsh conditions while others can work well in moderate conditions. Also, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid warranty that will ensure your investment.

Fan

The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air in your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and reduce your electric bills. We can replace the fan motor in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is up to 70% more energy efficient than the old PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifetime of the unit.

If your fan only runs on high, the short circuit or malfunctioning relay could be preventing your thermostat from adjusting to the fan.

Filter

Air flows through the filter before it is heated or cooled before being circulated throughout the home. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating internal components. It shields the family members from illnesses caused by airborne pathogens. It also ensures the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and break down.

Homeowners should replace their filters on a regular basis. The label will inform them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can help them select the best filter for their home based on the climate, how much they run their system, as well as personal factors like the presence of allergies or smokers within the home.

The filter is located in the return air duct, or in some cases the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct is normally located on the wall, ceiling or floor of the storage closets. 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 rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how efficient they are at taking in different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV will be able to filter larger particles such as dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on contrary, are able to capture various contaminants without restricting normal airflow.