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. Its blower uses propane or natural gas, or oil to create heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric system.
Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling, wall or floor of each room. It is recommended to keep them open to allow the proper circulation of air throughout your home.
Thermostat
A thermostat is among the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching on and off the compressor and fan to attain a pre-set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside your home and vent stale air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital. However there are older models. Digital thermostats utilize a device called a thermistor, which has metals that alter the electrical resistance when temperature fluctuations. The thermistor, connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats that include smart and programable thermostats. They allow you to control and alter your home’s energy consumption.
Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in the rooms most often used. The location of a thermostat inside your home may affect its accuracy. For instance, a thermostat located in direct sunlight may appear hotter than the actual room temperature and cause your system to run excessively or not run at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work, call an AC technician.
If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the various options available and think about the possibility of a programmable thermostat to reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system each day. It is also worth checking to see if you can find an improved model that could offer you even more savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.
Condenser
Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working in the way it should. The condenser is comprised of several parts that must be in sync to ensure that the unit functions. If any of these parts get damaged or worn out, the whole system could be affected. The most frequent issues in the condenser are broken control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The compressor moves the refrigerant through the condenser which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant get cool and transform into a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled is redirected back to the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The process repeats in order to reach the temperature you desire for your home or office.
The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser running effectively is to ensure that the area around it stays clear of debris. The condenser’s fan could draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, creating clogs and preventing the cooling system from functioning efficiently. It’s a good idea also to keep trees and shrubs well-trimmed so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will help to minimize the chance that branches, berries, or nuts could fall and clog the system. Keep your condenser in good condition to extend the lifespan of your AC by 1-2 years.
Evaporator
The evaporator is what circulates warm air inside your home. It is made up of a string of tubing which is u-shaped, and formed into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown through these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool the air.
The law of thermodynamics states that heat is transferred from colder objects to warmer ones. When the evaporator is operating correctly, the energy passes from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. The refrigerant gas causes to vaporize or boil. In this process, heat that cannot be measured using thermometers, referred to as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.
The coils are designed with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. Fins are utilized to increase the surface area of coils. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper, while others are made of aluminum, with each providing its own set advantages.
One of the most frequent problems with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This is usually caused by mildew or even mold. If this is the case, the unpleasant smells caused by the bacteria will be circulated throughout the house and may cause discomfort.
To avoid these problems, it is essential to select an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. When choosing an evaporator, it is crucial to take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Some are designed to withstand harsh conditions, while others can work well in moderate conditions. Also, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid warranty that will safeguard your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate the hot or cold air throughout your home until the thermostat you have set is attained. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend that you keep the fan on constant to maximize efficiency and save money on your electricity bill. If your system’s fan keeps running We can replace it with a brand new ECM blower motor which is up to 70 percent more efficient than the old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the life of the unit.
If your fan is only running on high, a short circuit or a broken relay could be preventing your thermostat from adjusting to 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 out of the system and contaminating internal components. It also shields family members from illnesses spread by tiny pathogens floating in the air. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and eventually break down.
Homeowners need to replace their filters regularly. The label will tell them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional in case they are not sure about the kind of filter they require. A professional can help them select the right filter for their home based on climate and the amount of time they use their system, and personal factors such as the presence of allergies or smokers within the home.
The filter is located in the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct could be found on the wall, floor or ceiling, or in a in the utility closet. It usually has a large, metal grate that covers the filter. Ideally, the filter is accessible to homeowners and service technicians to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how effective they are in taking in different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating 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, can capture many different contaminants without limiting airflow.
