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, oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.
Every room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling, walls or floors. They should be kept open if possible to ensure proper air flow throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an essential element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in 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 draw fresh air from outside your home and then vent stale air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital, although older models do exist. Digital thermostats use the thermistor device made of metals that change electrical resistance with temperature fluctuations. The thermistor is connected to a controller, converts the resistance change into a 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. They are usually in rooms that are most frequently used. The position of your thermostat could affect its accuracy. A thermostat located in direct sunlight, for example could show a higher temperature than the actual temperature of the room. This could cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat doesn’t work correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t help then contact an AC technician.
Consider a programmable thermostat if you are replacing your existing thermostat. You can save money on energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system on a daily basis. You should also find out if there’s an energy-efficient model, for instance one that’s ENERGY STAR certified or energy-efficient.
Condenser
When your air conditioning isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should, one of the most common causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser is made up of a number of parts that have to be in sync to ensure that the unit functions. If any of these parts become damaged or wear out, the whole system may be affected. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser, where fans blow cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to a liquid form. The liquid that is cooled moves back into the evaporator where it continues the cooling process. The process is repeated until the desired temperature for your home or business is achieved.
To ensure that your condenser runs correctly, you must ensure that the area surrounding it is free of debris. The condenser’s fan could draw leaves, twigs, and other debris into the unit, creating obstructions and preventing the cooling system from functioning properly. It is important to keep bushes and trees cut back so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This can reduce the risk that branches, berries, or nuts will fall and block the system. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add two or three years to the lifespan of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator moves warm air in your home. It is comprised of a set of tubing that is u-shaped, and formed into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This transfer heat from the indoor atmosphere to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool your indoor air.
The law of thermodynamics states that heat moves from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator is operating correctly, the heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant that is warm to the cool air. The refrigerant gas causes to evaporate or boil. During this process, the heat that cannot be measured using thermometers, referred to as latent heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.
The coils are made with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. Fins are used to increase the surface area of the coils. Aluminum and copper are both used to build some Evaporators, each with its own advantages.
One of the most common issues with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be the result of mildew or mold. If this is the case, the sour odors produced by the bacteria can be absorbed by the home and can cause discomfort.
It is crucial to choose an evaporator which can be easily maintained and cleaned. When selecting an evaporator it is crucial to consider the working environment. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh environments, whereas others are suited to moderate environments. In the end, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator has a solid warranty to safeguard your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate cool or hot air through your home until the thermostat you have set is attained. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We suggest keeping the fan running on a constant basis to maximize efficiency and reduce 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 only operates on high, a short circuit or a broken relay could be preventing your thermostat from adjusting to your fan.
Filter
Air flows through the filter before being warmed or cooled and circulated throughout the home. It eliminates impurities and also stops dust and pet dander getting into the system, causing contamination to internal components. It safeguards the family from illness spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system works efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and may cause it to overheat or even to fail.
Homeowners need to replace their filters on a regular basis. The label will inform them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. 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 select the best filter for their home in light of factors like climate, how often they use their system and even personal factors, for instance, whether there are smokers or allergy sufferers in the house.
The filter is situated in the return air duct, or in certain cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is normally situated on the ceiling, wall or floor, or in the utility closet. It often has a large grille made of metal that covers the filters. The filter should be accessible to both homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.
Filters are evaluated based on their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value), which shows how well they are able to capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can filter larger particles such as dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filter can capture various contaminants while not affecting the flow of air.