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 runs on propane, oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.
Vents (or registers) are found in the ceiling or on the floor of every room. They should be kept open as much as you can to ensure the proper circulation of air throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an important element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning on and shutting off the compressor and fan to reach a preset temperature. It also turns on the exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside into your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats use an instrument called a thermistor made of metals that alter the electrical resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor is connected a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into the temperature reading. Thermostats come in a variety of styles including programmable and intelligent thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.
Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in the rooms that are most frequently used. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. For example, a thermostat located in direct sunlight may be more hot than the actual room temperature and cause your system to overrun or not operate at all. If your thermostat doesn’t work correctly, try resetting your device. If this doesn’t help then contact an AC technician.
If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the various options available and consider the possibility of a programmable thermostat to save money on your energy costs. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule, instead of needing you to manually operate your HVAC system every day. It is also worth checking to see if you can find a better model that can give you more savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-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 cooperate to ensure that the unit functions. If any of these components get damaged or worn out, the entire system may be affected. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pushed into the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to a liquid form. This liquid at low pressure is removed and cooled before being moved back into the evaporator to continue cooling. The process is repeated until it reaches the desired temperature for your office or home.
To ensure that your condenser is operating efficiently, make sure that the area surrounding it is clean of any debris. The condenser’s fans can draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, creating blockages and hindering the cooling system from operating efficiently. It’s a good idea also to keep your trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t touch the unit. This can reduce the risk that branches, berries, or nuts will fall and block the system. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add two or three years to the life of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the component that allows warm air to enter your home. It is comprised of a series u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This draws heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes a gas that circulates through the cooling system to cool the air.
The thermodynamics law states that heat moves from hotter to colder objects. If the evaporator operates properly, the heat energy is transferred from warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate. During this process, the latent heat (which is not measurable with thermometers) is transferred from air to refrigerant.
These coils have been created with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of the coils. Some evaporators are built using copper while others use aluminum, with each material having its own set of advantages.
One of the most frequent issues with an evaporator is the accumulation of organic growth. This could be the result of mold or mildew. If this occurs, the bacterium may produce a sour smell that will spread throughout the house. This may cause discomfort.
To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is essential to take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Some are built to withstand harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate conditions. It is also important to ensure that your evaporator is covered by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat you set is reached. The fan can be set to auto or continuous. We suggest keeping the fan running continuously to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bills. If your system’s fan is constantly running, we can replace it with an ECM blower motor, which is up to 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the life of the unit.
If your fan only operates on high, an unbalanced circuit or a malfunctioning relay could be preventing the thermostat settings from reaching your fan.
Filter
Air passes through the filter before being heated or cooled before being circulated around the home. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It shields the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or even 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. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional in case they are not sure of the type of filter they need. A professional can help homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home in light of factors like the climate, the frequency they use their system, and even personal factors, for instance, whether there are smokers or 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 may be found on the floor, wall, ceiling, or storage closets, and it usually has a large, metal grate that covers the filter. The filter should be accessible to both technicians and homeowners to make it easy to clean and replace.
Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they can capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating is able to remove larger particles such as pet dander and dust mites, but it’s not very effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filter can capture many kinds of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect the normal flow of air.
