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 of an all-electric HVAC unit runs on propane or oil as well as 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, keep them open to ensure that air is flowing 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 until they achieve a set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside into your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermistor. The device contains metals which change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is connected to a controller converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are many types of thermostats including smart and programmable thermostats. They allow you to control and adjust your home’s power consumption.
Thermostats are installed on the interior walls of your house, typically in rooms where they are used most often. The location of a thermostat inside your home can affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for instance it could display a higher temperature than the actual room temperature. This can cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try resetting your device. If this doesn’t help, call an AC technician.
If you’re thinking of replacing your thermostat, check out the different options available to you and think about a programmable model to reduce your energy bills. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your preferences, rather than requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth checking to determine if you can locate an improved model that could provide you with even greater energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.
Condenser
When your air conditioning isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser is comprised of several components that cooperate to function. If any of these components are damaged or worn out, the whole system may be affected. Condenser problems include a broken control board for the condenser, or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pushed into the condenser, where the fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant to cool down and convert back to a liquid state. This cooled low-pressure liquid then returns to the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until it reaches the temperature you desire for your home or office.
The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser operating properly is to make sure that the area around it stays free of any debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers 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 is important to keep trees and bushes in good shape so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This will help to minimize the risk that branches, berries, or nuts could fall on the system and cause a blockage. Clean your condenser to extend the life of your AC system by 1-2 years.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the part that circulates warm air into your home. It is comprised of a series u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown over these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool your indoor air.
The law of thermodynamics states that heat moves from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator is operating properly, the heat energy passes from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. The refrigerant gas causes to boil or evaporate. In this process, heat that is not measured using a thermometer, known as latent heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.
The coils are designed with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. Fins are used to increase the surface area of coils. Aluminum and copper are both used to make evaporators, each having its own advantages.
One of the most frequent problems with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be caused by mildew or even mold. If this is the case, the unpleasant smells that the bacteria produce will be spread throughout the house and could cause discomfort.
It is important to select an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. When choosing an evaporator, it is crucial to consider the working environment. Certain evaporators are designed to withstand harsh environments, while others work well in moderate conditions. Also, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator has a solid warranty to safeguard your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate 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 suggest keeping the fan on constant for maximum efficiency and to save money on electricity 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 previous PSC motors. It will pay for itself over the lifespan of the unit.
If your fan only runs on high, a short circuit or a broken relay could be preventing the thermostat settings from reaching your fan.
Filter
Air flows through the filter before it is heated or cooled before being circulated throughout the home. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating internal components. It shields the family members from illnesses caused by airborne pathogens. It also ensures the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and eventually break down.
Homeowners should change their filters regularly. The label will tell them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t sure what kind of filter they should use and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can assist homeowners choose the right filter for their home in light of factors like climate, how often they use their system, and even personal factors like whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers in the home.
The filter is typically located in the return air duct or, in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is usually placed on the ceiling, wall, floor or storage closets. It usually has a large grille made of metal that protects the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how effective they are at taking in different sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to remove larger particles such as dust mites and pet dander but isn’t very effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on the contrary, are able to capture various contaminants without limiting normal airflow.
