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 to create heat for the furnace. Meanwhile, electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric unit.
Each room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. They should be kept open as much as you can to ensure proper air flow throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an essential part of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching on and off the compressor and fan until they achieve a set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital. However older models are available. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermostat. The device is made of metals that alter resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor is connected an microcontroller that converts changing resistance into a temperature reading. Thermostats come in a variety of options that include programmable and smart thermostats that allow you to track your home’s energy usage and make adjustments.
Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in the rooms most often used. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for instance could show an upper temperature than the actual room temperature. This could cause your system to operate more or less. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting it however if this does not solve the issue it is recommended to contact an AC technician for assistance.
If you’re considering changing your thermostat, you should check out the different options available and consider a thermostat that is programmable to help reduce your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to your schedule rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system each day. It is also advisable to see if there is an efficient model, for instance one that’s ENERGY A STAR-certified or energy-efficient.
Condenser
Condensers are often the culprit when your air conditioner isn’t working as well as it should. The condenser unit is comprised of many different components that must work in harmony in order for the unit to function. The entire system may 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 allows the refrigerant gas to cool, and return to a liquid form. This cooled low-pressure liquid then moves back into the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process continues until the desired temperature for your business or home is reached.
To keep your condenser running correctly, you must ensure that the area surrounding it is free of debris. Leaves, twigs, grass and other debris may be taken into the unit by the condenser fan. This can result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s a good idea also to keep your trees and shrubs well-trimmed so that they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts, or branches get into the system and cause clogging. Keep your condenser clean to prolong the life of your AC by a couple of years.
Evaporator
The evaporator is a component that circulates warm air into your home. It is comprised of a string of tubing which is u-shaped, and formed 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 refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system to cool your indoor air.
The law of thermodynamics states heat moves from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator is operating correctly, the energy of heat is transferred from the warm refrigerant to the cold air. This causes the refrigerant gas to evaporate or boil. In this process, heat that is not measured by a thermometer, known as latent heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.
These coils are constructed with specialized structures that improve the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of the coils. Both aluminum and copper are used to make evaporators, each having its own advantages.
A evaporator with an accumulation of organic growth can be prone to problems. This is usually caused by mildew or mold. If this occurs, the bacterium will produce a smell that spreads throughout the house. This can cause discomfort.
It is crucial to choose an evaporator that is easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some evaporators are built to withstand harsh environments, while others work well in moderate environments. You will also want to make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty which will safeguard you and your investment.
Fan
The fan in your HVAC system circulates hot or cold air in your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can be turned on automatic or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on constant for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electricity costs. We can replace the motor of the fan when it is running continuously. The new ECM motor is up to 70% more energy efficient than the previous PSC motors. It is able to pay for itself over the lifespan of the unit.
If your fan is only operating at the high setting, a broken relay switch or short circuit could be hindering the settings you input on the thermostat from reaching your fan.
Filter
Air flows through the filter, before being warmed or cooled, and then circulated around the house. It filters out impurities and stops dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating internal components. It also protects 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 makes the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or even to fail.
homeowners should change their filters on a regular basis. The label will tell the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t sure what kind of filter they need, they should consult an HVAC professional. A professional can assist them in choosing the most appropriate filter for their home based on climate, how much they run their system, and other personal factors such as the presence of smokers or allergies within 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 can be found on the wall, floor, ceiling, or utility closet, 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 evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander, but it’s not very effective in capturing fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on the contrary, are able to capture many different contaminants without restricting normal airflow.