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 uses propane, oil or natural gas to generate heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric system.
Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling or wall of every room. They should be kept open if possible to ensure the proper circulation of air throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an essential element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning off and on the fan and compressor until they reach a set temperature. It also switches on the air exchanger in order to pull fresh, outside air into your home while venting stale, indoor air out through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital however, some older models exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermostat. This device has metals which change resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a controller converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats are available in variety of styles, including programmable and smart thermostats that allow you to track your home’s energy usage and make adjustments.
Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior. They are usually in the rooms that are most frequently used. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for example could show a higher temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This could cause your system to run more or less. 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, be sure to check out the different options available to you and think about a programmable model to reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule, instead of having to manually adjust your HVAC system each day. It is also worth checking to see if you can find a better model that can provide you with even greater savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.
Condenser
If your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it is supposed to, one of the most frequent causes is your condenser. The condenser is made up of several components that 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 problems found in the condenser are a damaged control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pushed into the condenser where fans blow cool air from outside over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to liquid form. This cooled low-pressure liquid then moves back into the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The cycle is repeated to achieve the temperature you desire for your home or office.
The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser working correctly is to ensure that the area around it is clear of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers grass, and other debris can 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 also a good idea to keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t touch the unit. This will decrease the chances that berries, nuts or branches can fall into the system and clog it. Keeping your condenser free from debris can add an additional 1-2 years to the lifespan of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the thing that is used to move warm air around your home. It is made up of a series of tubing that is shaped like a U and then placed into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system to cool your indoor air.
The law of thermodynamics states that heat is transferred from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator is operating correctly, this heat energy is transferred from warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into a gas. During this process the latent heat (which cannot be measured using thermometers) is transferred from air to refrigerant.
These coils have been designed with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. Fins are used to increase the surface area of the coils. Both aluminum and copper are used to build some evaporators, each with distinct advantages.
One of the most frequent issues with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be caused by mildew or even mold. If this happens, the bacteria can produce a foul smell that can spread throughout the home. This could cause discomfort.
To avoid these problems, it is essential to select an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some are designed to withstand harsh conditions while others are suited to moderate environments. In the end, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator comes with a solid warranty that will safeguard your investment.
Fan
The blower fan of your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air in your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and save money on your electric bills. We could 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 older PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifespan of the unit.
If your fan only operates on high, the short circuit or broken relay could be keeping the thermostat settings from reaching the fan.
Filter
Air passes through the filter before being heated or cooled before being circulated throughout the home. It removes impurities and prevents dust and pet dander getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It safeguards the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and eventually break down.
Homeowners should replace their filters regularly at least every 30 or 90 days, based on the instructions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t sure which kind of filter they should use they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can assist homeowners select the best filter for their home, depending on factors such as climate, how often they use their system, and even personal factors such as whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers in 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 usually situated on the ceiling, wall or floor of the storage closets. It often is covered by a large metal grille that protects the filters. Ideally, the filter is accessible to homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
Filters are assessed based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which reveals how efficient they are at capturing various sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to remove larger particles such as pet dander and dust mites however it’s not as efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters are able to capture various contaminants while not affecting the flow of air.