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 system uses propane or oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.
Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling, walls or floors. If you can, keep them open to ensure air flows properly throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an essential component of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning on and shutting off the compressor and fan to achieve a set temperature. It also activates the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside into your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital, although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats use the thermistor device which is made up of metals that alter electrical resistance as temperature fluctuations. The thermistor, connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats that include smart and programable thermostats. They let you monitor and alter your home’s energy consumption.
Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in rooms that are most often used. The location of a thermostat inside your home can affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for example could show an upper temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This can cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem contact an AC technician.
Consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You will save money on energy bills. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule, rather than having you manually adjust your HVAC system on a regular basis. You should also see if there is a more efficient model, such as one that is ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.
Condenser
Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t working in the way it should. The condenser unit is comprised of a variety of parts that need to work in harmony in order for the unit to function. The entire system could be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. The most common issues found in the condenser are a malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool and return to liquid form. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled is redirected back to the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated until the desired temperature in your home or business is reached.
To keep your condenser running properly, you should ensure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs grass, and other debris can be carried into the unit by the condenser’s fan and cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It’s a good idea also to keep the trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t get in the way of the unit. This can reduce the risk that branches, berries, or nuts could fall and clog the system. Keep your condenser clean to extend the life of your AC system by a minimum of 1-2 years.
Evaporator
The evaporator moves warm air in your home. It is constructed of a series of u-shaped tubes that are set into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown across these coils. This transfer heat from the indoor environment to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.
The thermodynamic law states that heat moves from colder objects to warmer ones. When the evaporator operates properly, the energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the warm air. The refrigerant gas causes to evaporate or boil. During this process, the heat that is not measured with thermometers, also known as latent heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.
These coils are constructed with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of coils. Some evaporators are built using copper, while others are made of aluminum, with each material providing its own set advantages.
An evaporator that has a buildup of organic growth is prone to problems. This could be caused by mildew or even mold. If this is the case, the foul smells caused by the bacteria can be absorbed by the home and can cause discomfort.
To avoid these problems, it is crucial to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is essential to think about the working environment. Some are built to withstand harsh conditions while others are suited to moderate environments. In the end, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator is covered by a solid warranty to ensure your investment.
Fan
The fan in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air throughout your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bill. If your system’s fan is constantly running We can replace it with a new ECM blower motor that is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the life of the unit.
If your fan only operates on high, a short circuit or a malfunctioning relay could be preventing the thermostat settings from reaching your fan.
Filter
The air passes through the filter before being warmed or cooled and circulated throughout the home. It removes impurities and prevents dust and pet dander getting into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It also protects family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens that float in the air. It also ensures that the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or to fail.
The homeowner should change their filters on a regular basis at least every 30 days or 90 days, based on the instructions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t sure which kind of filter they need they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in selecting the right 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 situated in the return air duct, or in some cases the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct is normally located on the ceiling, wall, floor or utility closet. It often has a large metal grille that covers the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.
Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how efficient they are at capturing various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to catch larger contaminants like pet dander and dust mites but isn’t very effective at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on contrary, are able to capture various contaminants without limiting normal airflow.
