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 electric HVAC unit uses propane or oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.
Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or wall of each room. You should keep them open if possible to ensure the proper circulation of air throughout your home.
Thermostat
A thermostat is one of the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning off and on the fan and compressor to achieve a set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital although some older models still exist. Digital thermostats make use of the thermistor device, which has metals that alter electrical resistance as temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is connected an electronic microcontroller, which converts the changing resistance into the temperature reading. Thermostats come in a range of models including programmable and intelligent thermostats that allow you to monitor your home energy consumption and make adjustments.
Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms most frequently used. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. For example one thermostat placed in direct sunlight might appear hotter than the actual temperature of the room and cause your system to run too much or not operate at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try reset it but if that does not resolve the issue then you should contact an AC technician for assistance.
If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, check out the various options available and think about a thermostat that is programmable to help reduce your energy bills. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than having to manually adjust your HVAC system every day. It’s also worth a look to determine if you can locate an alternative that will give you more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.
Condenser
Condensers are typically the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working in the way it should. The condenser is made up of many different components that must be working in sync for the unit to function. If any of these components are damaged or worn out, the entire system can be impacted. The most frequent issues in the condenser include a damaged control board or refrigerant leaks.
The compressor moves the refrigerant into the condenser, which is where a fan blows cooled outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and then transform to a liquid. The liquid that is cooled moves back into the evaporator, where it continues the cooling process. The process repeats until it reaches the temperature you desire for your home or office.
The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser working effectively is to ensure that the area around it stays free of debris. The condenser’s fan can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, causing clogs and preventing the cooling system from functioning properly. It’s also a good idea to keep trees and shrubs well-trimmed so that they don’t touch the unit. This can reduce the risk that berries, branches, or nuts could fall on the system and cause a blockage. The condenser that is free of debris can add two or three years to the life of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator circulates warm air inside your home. It is made up of a string of tubing that is u-shaped, and set into panels. Air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.
The law of thermodynamics states heat is transferred from colder to warmer objects. If the evaporator operates correctly, this heat energy moves from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. The refrigerant gas causes to boil or evaporate. During this process the latent heat (which cannot be measured using a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.
These coils are constructed with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of coils. Copper and aluminum are both utilized to construct evaporators, each with its own advantages.
One of the most common issues with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This could be caused by mildew or even mold. If this is the case, the unpleasant smells that the bacteria produce will be spread throughout the home and can cause discomfort.
It is important to select an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When choosing an evaporator, it is important to also think about the working environment. Some evaporators can endure harsh environments, whereas others can be used in moderate ones. You will also want to make sure that your evaporator is covered by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.
Fan
The blower fan of 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 save money on electric bills. We can replace the fan motor if it is constantly running. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more energy efficient than the previous PSC motors. It is able to pay for itself over the lifetime of the unit.
If your fan only runs on high, a short circuit or a broken relay could be preventing the thermostat settings from reaching the fan.
Filter
Air passes through the filter before being heated or cooled before being circulated around the home. It removes impurities and also stops dust and pet dander from entering into the system to contaminate internal components. It shields the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures the system is working efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and eventually break down.
The homeowner should change their filters on a regular basis at least every 30 or 90 days, based on the instructions on the label. If a homeowner isn’t certain which kind of filter they should use they should talk to an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners choose the right filter for their home, based on factors like climate, how often they use their system, and even personal preferences, for instance, whether there are allergy sufferers living in the home.
The filter is situated in the return air duct or in some cases the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is normally situated on the wall, ceiling or floor of the storage closets. It often is covered by a large metal grille that protects the filters. Ideally, the filter is accessible to homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they can capture different sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able take on larger contaminants like dust mites and pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters, on the contrary, are able to capture a wide range of contaminants without restricting normal airflow.
