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, or oil to generate heat for the furnace, while electricity powers the cooling components in an all-electric system.
Vents (or registers) are located in the ceiling or on the floor of each room. You should keep them open as much as you can to ensure that air circulation is maintained throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an essential part of your HVAC system. It regulates your home’s temperature by switching off and on the compressor and fan until they reach a set temperature. It also switches on the air exchanger in order to draw fresh air from outside into your home while venting stale, indoor air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital. However older models are available. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermosistor. The device is made of metals which change resistance when the temperature changes. The thermistor is linked to an microcontroller that converts changing resistance into a temperature reading. Thermostats are available in a variety of styles, including programmable and smart thermostats that let you track your home’s energy usage and make adjustments.
Thermostats are installed on the interior walls of your house, typically in rooms where they are used most often. The location of a thermostat inside your home can affect its accuracy. A thermostat that is placed in direct sunlight, for instance could show an upper temperature than the actual room temperature. This can cause your system to run more or less. If your thermostat doesn’t work properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem contact an AC technician.
If you’re thinking about replacing your thermostat, check out the various options available for you, and consider the possibility of a programmable thermostat to save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule rather than needing you to manually operate your HVAC system every day. You should also find out if there’s an energy-efficient model, for instance one that is ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.
Condenser
Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t working as well as it should. The condenser is made up of a variety of parts that need to be working in sync in order for the unit to function. The entire system may be affected in the event that any of these parts are damaged or worn out. Problems with the condenser include a malfunctioning condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas that is produced by the compressor is pushed into the condenser, where the fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant get cool and transform to a liquid. This low-pressure liquid is then removed and cooled before being transferred back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The cycle is repeated in order to reach the temperature you desire for your office or home.
The most important thing you can do to keep your condenser working 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 obstructions and hindering the cooling system from working properly. It’s also a good idea to keep the bushes and trees in good shape so that they don’t encroach on the unit. This will reduce the possibility that branches, berries, or nuts could fall and clog the system. Cleaning your condenser of debris can add two or three years to the lifespan of your AC system.
Evaporator
The evaporator is used to move warm air around your home. It is comprised of a series of u-shaped tubes that are arranged into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant’s liquid is converted into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system in order to cool the 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 to boil or evaporate into gas. During this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured with thermometers) is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.
These coils have been created with special shapes that aid in heat transfer. These are known as fins, and expand the surface area to help in the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are built using copper while others make use of aluminum, with each offering its own set of advantages.
An evaporator that has an accumulation of organic growth is prone to problems. This can be a result of mildew or mold. If this occurs, the bacterium can produce a foul smell that will spread throughout the house. This could cause discomfort.
It is important to select an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the working environment when selecting an evaporator. Certain models are designed to withstand harsh conditions while others can work well in moderate environments. In the end, you’ll want to make sure your evaporator is covered by a solid warranty that will ensure your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower fan works to circulate cold or hot air throughout your home until the temperature you set is attained. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on at all times for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electricity costs. 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 lifespan of the unit.
If your fan only operates on high, an unbalanced circuit or a malfunctioning relay could be preventing the thermostat settings from reaching your fan.
Filter
The filter is used to circulate the air throughout the house before it is heated or cool. It eliminates impurities and prevents dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating internal components. It protects the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is operating efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and eventually break down.
Homeowners should change their filters on a regular basis. The label will inform them whether they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should seek advice from an HVAC professional when they aren’t sure about the kind of filter they require. A professional can help them select the most appropriate filter for their home based on the climate and the amount of time they use their system, and personal factors such as the presence of smokers or allergies within the home.
The filter is usually located in the return air duct or, in some cases, the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct can be located on the wall, floor or ceiling, or even in the utility closet, and it often contains a large metal grate which covers the filter. The filter should be accessible to both homeowners and technicians to make it easy to clean and replace.
Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which reveals how well they can capture various sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV rating can be used to catch larger contaminants like pet dander and dust mites however it’s not as efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on the contrary, can capture various contaminants without limiting airflow.