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 or oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.
Each room has vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or floors. If you can keep them open to ensure that air flows properly 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 off the fan and compressor until they attain a certain temperature, and also activates the air exchanger in order to bring fresh air from outside into your home, while venting old, indoor air through your ductwork.
Most thermostats are digital, although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats use the thermistor device, which has metals that alter electrical resistance as temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are many types of thermostats including smart and programable thermostats. They allow you to control and alter your home’s energy consumption.
Thermostats can be placed on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in rooms that are most frequently used. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for example it could display a higher temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This can cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat doesn’t work properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t help, call an AC technician.
Consider a programmable thermostat when you are replacing your existing thermostat. You’ll save money on 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 is also worth checking to determine if you can locate a better model that can provide you with even greater energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.
Condenser
If your air conditioner isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should, one of the most common causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser unit is made up of a variety of parts that need to work in harmony for the unit to work. The entire system can be affected if any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most frequent issues in the condenser include a malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The compressor moves the refrigerant into the condenser where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to get cool and transform to a liquid. This low-pressure liquid is then removed and cooled before being transferred back into the evaporator to continue cooling. The process continues until the desired temperature for your business or home is reached.
To ensure that your condenser is operating properly, you should ensure that the area around it is clean of any debris. Leaves, twigs grass, and other debris can be taken 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 trees and shrubs cut back so that they don’t touch the unit. This will reduce the possibility that branches, berries, or nuts will fall and clog 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 allows warm air to enter your home. It is made of a series of tubes that are set into panels. The coils are blown by air from the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid turns into a gas that circulates through the cooling system to cool the air.
The thermodynamics law states that heat moves from hotter to colder objects. When the evaporator is operating correctly, the energy passes from the 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 the air to the refrigerant.
The coils are designed with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. These are known as fins, and expand the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are built using copper, while others are made of aluminum, with each material providing its own set advantages.
An evaporator that is afflicted with an accumulation of organic growth is susceptible to issues. This can be a result of mold or mildew. If this happens, the bacteria can produce a foul smell that spreads throughout the house. This can cause discomfort.
It is crucial to choose an evaporator which can be easily maintained and cleaned. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some are built to withstand harsh conditions while others are suited to moderate conditions. In the end, you’ll be sure that your evaporator comes with a solid warranty to protect your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate the cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat setting you set is attained. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running continuous to maximize efficiency and to save money on electricity bills. If your system’s fan is constantly running, we can replace it with a brand new ECM blower motor which is up to 70 percent more efficient than older PSC motors and pays for itself in savings over the lifetime of the unit.
If your fan is only running on high, the short circuit or broken relay could be preventing your thermostat settings from reaching the fan.
Filter
The filter is used to circulate air throughout the house before it is heated or cool. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander from getting into the system and contaminating the internal components. It shields the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and eventually break down.
Homeowners need to change their filters regularly. The label will inform the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. The homeowner should consult an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure about the kind of filter they require. A professional can assist them in choosing the right filter for their home based on the climate, how much they run their system, as well as personal factors like the presence of allergies or smokers in the house.
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 typically situated on the wall, ceiling or floor of the in the utility closet. It typically has a large grille made of metal that covers the filters. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible for homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how efficient they are at taking in different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can take on larger contaminants like dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filter can capture many kinds of contaminants while not affecting the flow of air.