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 or oil as well as natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.
Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling, wall or floor of each room. If you can you can keep them open to ensure that air flows properly throughout your home.
Thermostat
A thermostat is among the most vital components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching off and on the compressor and fan to reach a set temperature, and also switches on the air exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside into your home while venting stale, indoor air out through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats use a device called a thermistor made of metals that change electrical resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats including smart and programable thermostats. They let you control and adjust your home’s power consumption.
Thermostats can be placed on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in the rooms most often used. The place of a thermostat within your home could affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for example could show an upper temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This could cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work then contact an AC technician.
Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You’ll reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to meet your schedule instead of having to manually alter your HVAC system on a regular basis. It is also worth checking to see if you can find a better model that can offer you even more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.
Condenser
When your air conditioning isn’t performing as well as it ought to, one of the most frequent causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser is made up of a variety of parts that need to be working in sync in order for the unit to function. If any of these components get damaged or worn out, then the entire system may be affected. The most common issues found in the condenser are a damaged control board or refrigerant leaks.
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 a liquid form. The liquid that is cooled is redirected back to the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process repeats in order to reach the temperature you desire for your office or home.
To keep your condenser running properly, you should ensure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers, grass and other debris could be sucked into the unit by the condenser’s fan and result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is a good idea to keep your trees and shrubs well-trimmed so that they don’t touch the unit. This can reduce the risk that berries, branches, or even nuts fall and block the system. Keep your condenser in good condition to extend the life of your AC by a couple of years.
Evaporator
The evaporator is a component that circulates warm air into your home. It is made up of a series of tubing that is shaped like a U and then formed into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This transfer heat from the indoor environment to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system to cool your indoor air.
The law of thermodynamics states that heat is transferred from hotter to colder objects. When the evaporator functions correctly, the heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cold air. The refrigerant gas causes to boil or evaporate. In this process, heat that cannot be measured by thermometers, also known as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.
These coils have been created with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. They are referred to as fins, and they expand the surface area to help in the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both utilized to construct evaporators, each with their own advantages.
One of the most frequent problems with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be the result of mold or mildew. If this is the case, the unpleasant smells that the bacteria produce can be absorbed by the home and can cause discomfort.
It is essential 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 conditions. Lastly, you will want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid warranty that will protect your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate the cold or hot air throughout your home until the temperature you have set is reached. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and reduce your electric bills. We could replace the fan motor when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is up to 70 percent more efficient than the older PSC motors. It is able to pay for itself over the lifetime of the unit.
If your fan only runs on high, a short circuit or a broken relay could be keeping your thermostat settings from reaching the fan.
Filter
Air passes through the filter before being warmed or cooled and circulated around the home. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander out of the system and contaminating internal components. It safeguards the family members from illnesses caused by airborne pathogens. It also ensures the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or to fail.
Homeowners need to change their filters on a regular basis. The label will inform the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t certain what type of filter they require and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home, based on factors like temperature, 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 situated in the return air duct or in some cases the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct may be found on the floor, wall or ceiling, or in a in the utility closet. It typically has a large metal grate which covers the filter. The filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able 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 contrary, are able to capture many different contaminants without limiting normal airflow.