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 runs on propane, oil, or natural gas to heat the furnace.
Each room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling, walls or floors. You should keep them open to allow proper air flow throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an important element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature of your home by switching on and off the fan and compressor to reach a preset temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside your home and vent stale air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats make use of an instrument called a thermistor made of metals that alter electrical resistance when changes in temperature. The thermistor, connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into a temperature. There are various kinds of thermostats including smart and programmable thermostats. They allow you to monitor and adjust your home’s energy consumption.
Thermostats are installed on the walls of your house, typically in rooms where they are used most often. The location of a thermostat in your home can affect its accuracy. For instance, a thermostat located in direct sunlight may be more hot than the actual room temperature which can cause your system to overrun or not operate at all. If your thermostat doesn’t work properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t solve the problem then contact an AC technician.
If you’re considering replacing your thermostat, be sure to check out the various options available for you and think about a programmable model to save money on your energy costs. A programmable model will automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule, instead of requiring you to manually manipulate your HVAC system each day. You should also find out if there’s a more efficient model, like one that is ENERGY Energy Star certified or energy efficient.
Condenser
When your air conditioning isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should, one of the most frequent causes is your condenser. The condenser is comprised of several components that work together to make the unit function. If any of these components are damaged or worn out, the entire system may be affected. The most common problems found in the condenser are malfunctioning control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas from the compressor is pumped into the condenser where fans blow cool outside air over the coils. This helps the refrigerant get cool and transform into a liquid state. This low-pressure liquid is then removed and cooled before being transferred back into the evaporator to continue cooling. The process is repeated until the desired temperature in your business or home is achieved.
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. Leaves, twigs, flowers, grass and other debris may be taken into the unit by the condenser fan. This can create clogs that hinder the operation of the cooling system. It’s a good idea also to keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t get in the way of the unit. This will reduce the chance that berries, nuts, or branches will enter the system and block it. Keep your condenser in good condition to extend the life of your AC system by a couple of years.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the component that moves warm air into your home. It is constructed of a series u-shaped tubes that are set into panels. The coils are blowing by air from the blower. This draws heat from the indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant becomes a gas that is circulated through the cooling system to cool your air.
The thermodynamic law states that heat moves from colder to warmer objects. When the evaporator is operating correctly, the energy moves from the warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant to heat up or evaporate into a gas. In this process, heat that cannot be measured using thermometers, referred to 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 utilized to increase the surface area of the coils. Copper and aluminum are both utilized to construct evaporators, each with distinct advantages.
An evaporator that has a buildup of organic growth can be prone to problems. This can be caused by mildew or mold. If this is the case, the sour odors produced by the bacteria will be circulated throughout the house and could cause discomfort.
To avoid these problems, it is essential to select an evaporator which can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also an ideal idea to take into consideration the environment in which you work when choosing an evaporator. Certain evaporators are designed to withstand harsh environments, while others work well in moderate conditions. You will also want to make sure that your evaporator is covered by a warranty that will safeguard you and your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate cold or hot air throughout your home until the thermostat setting you set is attained. The fan can be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan on continuous to maximize efficiency and to cut down on electric bills. We could replace the fan motor if it is constantly running. The new ECM motor is 70 percent more energy efficient than the older PSC motors. It pays for itself over the lifetime of the unit.
If your fan is only running on high, the short circuit or broken relay could be keeping your thermostat from adjusting to the fan.
Filter
The air passes through the filter before being warmed or cooled and circulated throughout the home. It removes impurities and prevents dust and pet dander from getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It also shields 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 could cause it to overheat or break down.
homeowners should change their filters regularly. The label will inform the homeowner if they should replace it every 30 days or every 90 days. A homeowner should consult a HVAC professional when they aren’t sure about the kind of filter they need. A professional can assist homeowners select the appropriate filter for their home based on factors like climate, how often they use their system, and even personal factors, such as whether there are allergy or smokers sufferers in the home.
The filter is usually found at 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 in the utility closet. It usually has a large, metal grate which covers the filter. The filter should be accessible to both technicians and homeowners to make it easy to clean and replace.
Filters are rated according to their MERV rating (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) which indicates how well they capture different sizes of particles. A low-MERV filter is able to capture larger contaminants such as dust mites and pet dander however it’s not as efficient in catching small allergens or germs. High-MERV filters, on other hand, can catch many different contaminants without restricting normal airflow.