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 is powered by propane, oil or natural gas to create heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric unit.
Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling or on the floor of every room. You should keep them open as much as you can to ensure that air circulation is maintained throughout your home.
Thermostat
A thermostat is among the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by switching off and on the compressor and fan to attain a certain temperature, and it also activates the air exchanger in order to pull fresh, outside air into your home, while venting old, indoor air out through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats make use of a device called a thermistor which is made up of metals that alter the electrical resistance when temperature changes. The thermistor, which is connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are many types of thermostats including smart and programable thermostats. They allow you to monitor and alter your home’s energy consumption.
Thermostats are located on the walls of your home, typically in rooms that are most frequently used. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. For example one thermostat placed in direct sunlight might appear hotter than the actual room temperature, causing your system to run excessively or not operate at all. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try resetting your device. If this doesn’t work contact an AC technician.
Consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your current thermostat. You can save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to suit your needs instead of having you manually adjust your HVAC system on a regular basis. It’s also worth a look to determine if you can locate a better model that can offer you even more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.
Condenser
Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t working properly. The condenser is comprised of several parts that must work together to make the unit function. If any of these parts are damaged or worn out, the whole system may be affected. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pushed into the condenser where fans blow cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to get cool and transform into a liquid state. This cooled low-pressure liquid then returns to the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process repeats until it reaches the desired temperature for your home or office.
The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser running effectively is to ensure that the area around it stays free of debris. Leaves, twigs and flowers grass and other debris may be taken into the unit by the condenser’s fan and create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is a good idea to keep trees and shrubs well-trimmed so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the chance that branches, berries or nuts will fall and clog the system. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the life of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the thing that is used to move warm air around your home. It is comprised of a series u-shaped tubes that are arranged 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 liquid is transformed into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the indoor air.
The thermodynamics law states that heat flows from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator is operating correctly, this heat energy passes from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to vaporize or boil. During this process, the heat that cannot be measured using a thermometer, known as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.
These coils are designed with special structures that enhance the transfer of heat. These are also known as fins and expand the surface area to help in the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are made of copper while others make use of aluminum, with each material offering its own set of advantages.
An evaporator that is afflicted with an accumulation of organic growth is susceptible to problems. This can be caused by mildew or mold. If this happens, the bacteria will produce a smell that can spread throughout the home. This can cause discomfort.
To avoid these issues, it is important to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Some evaporators can endure harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate environments. It is also important to ensure that your evaporator is protected by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.
Fan
The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air throughout your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bills. If your system’s fan keeps running we can replace it with a brand new ECM blower motor, which is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.
If your fan is only running on high, an unbalanced circuit or a broken relay could be preventing the thermostat settings from reaching your fan.
Filter
The air passes through the filter, before being warmed or cooled, and then circulated around the house. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating internal components. It also protects family members from the spread of diseases by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and may cause it overheat or to fail.
The homeowner should change their filters on a regular basis each 30 or 90 days, depending on the instructions on the label. A homeowner should consult a 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 based on factors like climate, how often they use their system and even personal factors like whether there are allergy sufferers in the house.
The filter is situated in the return air duct, or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct could be found on the floor, wall or ceiling, or in a utility closet, and it typically has a large metal grate that is covered by the filter. The filter is accessible to homeowners and service technicians to aid in cleaning and replacement.
Filters are rated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they are able to capture different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to catch larger contaminants like dust mites and pet dander, but it’s not very effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filter can capture various contaminants without affecting the flow of air.