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.
Each room has vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. If possible you can keep them open to ensure air flows properly throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is a crucial component of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning off and on the compressor and fan until they achieve a specific temperature, and also turns on the air exchanger to bring fresh air from outside into your home, while venting stale, indoor air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats make use of an instrument called a thermistor which is made up of metals that alter the electrical resistance with temperature changes. The thermistor is linked to an microcontroller that converts changing resistance into an indication of temperature. There are many types of thermostats including smart and programmable thermostats. These allow you to monitor and adjust your home’s power consumption.
Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in rooms that are most frequently used. The location of a thermostat in your home could affect its accuracy. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, for example it could display an upper temperature than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, you can try setting it again, but if this does not resolve the issue, you should call an AC technician for assistance.
Consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You’ll save money on your energy bills. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to suit your needs instead of having to manually adjust your HVAC system on a regular basis. It is also advisable to determine if there’s an efficient model, like one that’s ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.
Condenser
If your air conditioner isn’t working as efficiently as it should, one of the most common causes is your condenser. The condenser is comprised of several components that work together to function. If any of these parts are damaged or worn out, then the entire system could be affected. Condenser problems include a broken condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pushed into the condenser where fans blow cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant get cool and transform to a liquid. The liquid that is cooled returns to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process continues until the desired temperature in your business or home is reached.
To ensure that your condenser runs properly, you should ensure that the area surrounding it is clear of debris. Leaves, twigs grass, and other debris can be taken into the unit by the condenser fan. This can cause clogs that prevent proper operation of the cooling system. It is also a good idea to keep bushes and trees trimmed so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This will help to minimize the chance that branches, berries or even nuts fall and block the system. The condenser that is free of debris can add 1-2 additional years to the lifespan of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is a component that moves warm air into your home. It is made up of a string of tubing which is u-shaped and placed into panels. The coils are being blown by the air of the blower. This transfer heat from the indoor air to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes a gas that circulates through the cooling system to cool the air.
The law of thermodynamics states that heat moves from colder to hot objects. When the evaporator is operating correctly, this heat energy is transferred from warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into gas. During this process, the latent heat (which is not measurable with a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.
The coils are made with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of the coils. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper, while others are made of aluminum, with each having its own set of advantages.
One of the most frequent problems with evaporators is an accumulation of organic growth. This could be caused by mold or mildew. If this is the case, the unpleasant smells caused by the bacteria will be spread throughout the house and could cause discomfort.
It is important to select an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is crucial to take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Some are built to withstand harsh conditions, while others can be used in moderate environments. In the end, you’ll be sure that your evaporator comes with a solid guarantee that will safeguard your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate the cold or hot air throughout your home until the thermostat setting you set is reached. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on constant for maximum efficiency and to save money on electricity bills. We could replace the fan motor if it is constantly running. The new ECM motor is up to 70% more energy efficient than the previous PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifespan of the unit.
If your fan is only running on high, a short circuit or a malfunctioning relay could be preventing your thermostat settings from reaching the fan.
Filter
Air flows through the filter before being heated or cooled before being circulated around the house. It eliminates impurities and also stops dust and pet dander getting into the system and contaminating internal components. It protects the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter can make the system work harder and could cause it to overheat or even breakdown.
homeowners should change their filters frequently – every 30 days or 90 days, depending on the label instructions. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional in case they are not sure of the type of filter they require. A professional can assist them in selecting the best filter for their home based on climate and the amount of time they use their system, as well as personal factors like the presence of smokers or allergies in the house.
The filter is located in the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is typically situated on the ceiling, wall or floor, or in the utility closet. It often is covered by a large metal grille that covers the filters. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.
Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how efficient they are at collecting different sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander, but it’s not very effective at catching fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on other hand, can catch a wide range of contaminants without limiting normal airflow.