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, oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.
Every room has vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling, walls or floors. If you can keep them open to ensure that air flows properly throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an essential component of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by turning off and on the fan and compressor until they reach a set temperature. It also turns on the air exchanger in order to pull fresh, outside air into your home, while venting old, indoor air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital. However older models are available. Digital thermostats utilize a device called a thermistor, which has metals that alter the electrical resistance when temperature fluctuations. The thermistor, which is connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are many types of thermostats, including smart and programmable thermostats. They let you control 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 often used. The location of a thermostat in your home may affect its accuracy. For instance, a thermostat located in direct sunlight may be more hot than the actual temperature of the room, causing your system to overrun or not operate at all. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try setting it again but if that does not solve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for assistance.
If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the various options available to you and think about a programmable model to reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth checking to determine if you can locate a better model that can offer you even more energy savings, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.
Condenser
When your air conditioning isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should, one of the most frequent causes is your condenser. The condenser is made up of many different parts that need to be working in sync in order for the unit to function. The entire system can be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most common problems found in the condenser include a malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The compressor pushes the refrigerant into the condenser, where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform into a liquid state. The liquid that is cooled returns 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.
To ensure that your condenser runs correctly, you must ensure that the area around it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs grass, and other debris can be taken into the unit by the condenser fan and result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is important to keep trees and bushes cut back so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This will help to minimize the chance that branches, berries, or nuts will fall and clog the system. The condenser that is free of debris can add two or three years to the lifespan of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is what moves warm air in your home. It is comprised of a series u-shaped tubes that are set into panels. Air from the blower fans is blown over these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes a gas that circulates through the cooling system to cool your air.
The law of thermodynamics states that heat flows from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator operates properly, the heat energy passes from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate. During this process, the heat that cannot be measured using thermometers, also known as latent heat is transferred from air to the refrigerant.
These coils have been created with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. These are also known as fins, and expand the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Certain evaporators are constructed with copper while others use aluminum, each providing its own set advantages.
An evaporator that is afflicted with a buildup of organic growth can be prone to issues. This could be the result of mold or mildew. If this is the case, the sour smells that the bacteria produce will be spread throughout the house and could cause discomfort.
To avoid these issues, it’s essential to select an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. When choosing an evaporator, it is essential to take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Some evaporators can endure harsh environments, whereas others work well in moderate environments. In the end, you’ll be sure that your evaporator is covered by a solid guarantee that will protect your investment.
Fan
The fan in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air throughout your home until you reach the thermostat setting. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on continuous to maximize efficiency and to cut down on electricity bills. If your system’s fan keeps running, we can replace it with an ECM blower motor which is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the life of the unit.
If your fan is only operating at the high setting, a damaged relay switch or short circuit may be preventing the settings you enter on the thermostat from reaching the fan.
Filter
The air passes through the filter, before being heated or cooled before being circulated around the home. It removes impurities, and prevents dust and pet dander from getting into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It safeguards the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or even breakdown.
homeowners should change their filters on a regular basis each 30 or 90 days, based on the directions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t sure which type of filter they require and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can help them select the best filter for their home based on the climate and how often they use their system, and other personal factors such as the presence of allergy sufferers or smokers within 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 could be found on the wall, floor, ceiling, or storage closets, and it often contains a large metal grate that is covered by the filter. The filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.
Filters are assessed based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which reveals how efficient they are at capturing various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to remove larger particles such as pet dander and dust mites however it’s not as effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on the contrary, can capture many different contaminants without restricting normal airflow.