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 in an all-electric HVAC unit uses propane, oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.
Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or on the floor of every room. If possible you can keep them open to ensure air circulation is properly distributed throughout your home.
Thermostat
A thermostat is among the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by switching off and on the compressor and fan to achieve a specific temperature, and it also turns on the air exchanger to help bring fresh air from outside into your home while venting stale, indoor air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital, however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats make use of the thermistor device made of metals that alter the electrical resistance with temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is connected to an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into an indication of temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats including smart and programmed thermostats. They let you monitor and adjust your home’s energy consumption.
Thermostats are installed on the interior walls of your home, usually in rooms where they are used most often. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. For example one thermostat placed in direct sunlight may be more hot than the actual room temperature which can cause 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 then contact an AC technician.
If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, check out the various options available and consider a programmable model to reduce your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system each day. It is also advisable to find out if there’s an efficient model, for instance one that’s ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.
Condenser
Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t performing in the way it should. The condenser is made up of several components that cooperate to make the unit function. If any of these parts become damaged or wear out, then the entire system can be impacted. The most common problems found in the condenser include a malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pumped into the condenser, where the fan blows cool air from outside over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to a liquid form. This liquid at low pressure is cooled and returned to the evaporator to continue cooling. The cycle is repeated in order to reach the temperature you want for your office or home.
To ensure that your condenser runs efficiently, make sure that the area around it is clean of any debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers, grass and other debris could be taken into the unit by the condenser fan. This can result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s a good idea also to keep your trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t get in the way of the unit. This reduces the likelihood that berries, nuts or branches can get into the system and clog it. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add 1-2 additional years to the life of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the thing that circulates warm air inside your home. It is comprised of a string of tubing which is shaped like a U and then set into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it 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 moves from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator is operating correctly, this heat energy is transferred from warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process the latent heat (which cannot be measured using thermometers) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.
These coils have been designed with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. These are known as fins, and increase the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both used to make Evaporators, each with their own advantages.
One of the most frequent problems with evaporators is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be the result of mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacteria may produce a sour smell that will spread throughout the house. This could cause discomfort.
To avoid these issues, it is essential to select an evaporator which 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 environments, whereas others can work well in moderate conditions. In the end, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator has a solid guarantee that will ensure your investment.
Fan
The fan in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air through your home until you get to the temperature you want. The fan can be on auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and reduce your electric bills. If your system’s fan keeps running We can replace it with an ECM blower motor which is up to 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the duration of the unit.
If your fan only runs on high, the short circuit or broken relay could be preventing your thermostat from adjusting to the fan.
Filter
The air passes through the filter, before being warmed or cooled, and then circulated around the house. It removes impurities and also stops dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It also protects family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and ultimately break down.
Homeowners should replace their filters frequently each 30 days or 90 days, based on the label instructions. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure of the type of filter they require. A professional can help homeowners choose the right filter for their home in light of factors like the climate, the frequency they use their system, and even personal factors such as whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers living in the home.
The filter is usually located at the return air duct or, in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct could be located on the wall, floor or ceiling, or even in the storage closets, and it typically has a large metal grate which covers the filter. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able to capture larger contaminants such as pet dander and dust mites however it’s not as effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on the other hand, can catch many different contaminants without restricting normal airflow.