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 or natural gas to generate heat for the furnace, while electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric system.
Each room has vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. If possible you can keep them open to ensure air circulation is properly distributed throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an essential part of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by switching on and off the compressor and fan to attain a pre-set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to draw fresh air from outside into your home and vent stale air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermistor. The device is made of metals that change resistance as temperatures change. The thermistor, which is connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into a temperature. Thermostats are available in variety of options including programmable and intelligent thermostats that let you monitor your home energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.
Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior, typically in rooms that are most often used. The place of your thermostat will affect its accuracy. For example one thermostat placed in direct sunlight might read hotter than the actual room temperature which can cause your system to overrun or not even run at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, you can try setting it again, but if this doesn’t fix the problem, you should call an AC technician for help.
If you’re thinking of changing your thermostat, you should check out the different options available for you, and consider the possibility of a programmable thermostat to save money on your energy costs. A thermostat that is programmable will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your preferences, rather than requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system every day. It’s also worth checking to determine if you can locate an alternative that will provide you with even greater energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY A STAR-certified thermostat.
Condenser
If your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it ought to, one of the most frequent causes can be found in your condenser. The condenser is comprised of several components that work together to ensure that the unit functions. If any of these parts are damaged or worn out, then the entire system may be affected. Condenser problems include a broken condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pumped into the condenser, where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant cool down and convert back to a liquid state. This cooled low-pressure liquid then returns to the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process repeats until it reaches the desired temperature for your office or home.
The most important thing you can do to ensure that your condenser operating correctly is to ensure that the area around it remains free of any debris. The condenser’s fan can pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, causing clogs and hindering the cooling system from functioning effectively. It’s a good idea also to keep the trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t encroach onto the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts or branches can get into the system and block it. Keep your condenser clean to extend the lifespan of your AC by a minimum of 1-2 years.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the thing that is used to move warm air around your home. It is made of a series u-shaped tubes that are set into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This transfer heat from the indoor environment to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas and circulated throughout the cooling system to cool your indoor air.
The thermodynamics law states that heat moves from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator is operating correctly, the energy moves from the warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant’s water to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process the latent heat (which cannot be measured using a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.
The coils are made with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. They are referred to as fins, and they increase the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both used to build some Evaporators, each with their own advantages.
One of the most common problems with an evaporator is an accumulation of organic growth. This can be a result of mold or mildew. If this is the case, the sour smells caused by the bacteria can be absorbed by the house and could cause discomfort.
To avoid these issues, it is crucial to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the working environment when selecting an evaporator. Some are built to withstand harsh conditions while others can be used in moderate conditions. Also, you’ll be sure that your evaporator has a solid warranty that will protect your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate the hot or cold air throughout your home until the temperature you set is reached. The fan can be turned on auto or constant. We suggest keeping 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 up to 70% more energy efficient than the older PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifetime of the unit.
If your fan is running on the high setting, a malfunctioning relay switch or short circuit could be preventing the settings you enter 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 eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating internal components. It safeguards the family members from illnesses caused by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and can cause it to overheat or even break down.
Homeowners need to replace their filters regularly. The label will inform the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t certain what kind of filter they should use and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can help them select the right filter for their home based on the climate, how much they run their system, and other personal factors like the presence of allergy sufferers or smokers within the home.
The filter is located in the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct may be found on the wall, floor or ceiling, or even in the utility closet, and it often contains a large metal grate that covers the filter. The filter should be easily accessible to both technicians and homeowners to make it easy to clean and replace.
Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates how effective they are in taking in different sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able filter larger particles such as dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens or germs. High-MERV filters on the contrary, can capture many different contaminants without restricting normal airflow.