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 makes use of propane, oil or natural gas to create heat for the furnace, while electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric unit.
Each room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling, walls or floors. If you can, keep them open to ensure air is flowing properly throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an important part of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching on and off the compressor and fan until they attain a pre-set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital although older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermistor. The device contains metals which change resistance as temperatures change. The thermistor is connected a microcontroller that converts the changing resistance into a temperature reading. Thermostats are available in a variety of styles that include programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.
Thermostats are installed on the interior walls of your home, usually in rooms that are used the most. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. For example the thermostat that is located in direct sunlight might appear hotter than the actual room temperature which can cause your system to overrun or not operate at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try reset it however if this does not solve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for assistance.
You should consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can reduce your energy costs. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to meet your schedule instead of having to manually adjust your HVAC system on a daily basis. It’s also worth a look to determine if you can locate an alternative that will offer you even more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY certified thermostat.
Condenser
Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it should. The condenser unit is made up of many different parts that need to be working in sync in order for the unit to function. The entire system could be affected when any of these components are damaged or worn out. The most frequent issues in the condenser are a malfunctioning control board or refrigerant leaks.
The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pumped into the condenser where a fan blows cool air from outside over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas to cool and return to a liquid state. The low-pressure liquid that has been cooled moves back into the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The cycle is repeated until the desired temperature in your business or home is achieved.
To ensure that your condenser is operating correctly, you must ensure that the area around it is clean of any debris. The condenser’s fan can draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, creating clogs and hindering the cooling system from working effectively. It’s also a good idea to keep your trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t touch the unit. This will reduce the chance that branches, berries, or nuts will fall and block the system. Keep your condenser clean to extend the life of your AC by a couple of years.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the component that circulates warm air into your home. It is constructed of a series of tubes that are arranged into panels. The coils are being blown by the air of the blower. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid turns into an air-borne gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.
The law of thermodynamics states that heat moves from colder objects to warmer ones. When the evaporator is operating properly, the heat energy moves from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to boil 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 designed with specialized shapes that enhance heat transfer. Fins are used to increase the surface area of the coils. Aluminum and copper are both used to build some evaporators, each having its own advantages.
One of the most frequent issues with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This could be caused by mold or mildew. If this occurs, the bacterium can produce a foul smell that can spread throughout the house. This could cause discomfort.
It is essential to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some evaporators can stand up to harsh conditions, while others can be used in moderate conditions. Also, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator comes with a solid guarantee that will protect your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower motor works to circulate cold or hot air throughout your home until the thermostat setting you 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 reduce your electric bills. We could replace the fan motor if it is constantly running. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more efficient than the previous PSC motors. It pays for itself over the life of the unit.
If your fan only operates on high, a short circuit or a malfunctioning 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 cooled. It removes impurities, and prevents dust and pet dander from getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It also shields family members from diseases spread by tiny pathogens that are floating in the air. It also ensures that the system functions efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and break down.
Homeowners need to change their filters regularly. The label will tell them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional if they are unsure about the kind of filter they require. A professional can help homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home based on factors like temperature, how often they use their system and even personal preferences, like whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers in the home.
The filter is usually found at the return air duct or, in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct could be found on the floor, wall or ceiling, or even in the in the utility closet. It typically has a large metal grate that covers the filter. The filter should be accessible to both homeowners and technicians for easy cleaning and replacement.
Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how effective they are at taking in different sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to catch larger contaminants like dust mites and pet dander however it’s not as effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters can snag a variety of contaminants, but it doesn’t affect the normal flow of air.