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 create heat for the furnace, while electricity powers the cooling elements in an all-electric unit.
Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are situated on the ceiling or walls, or on floors. If you can keep them open to ensure that air circulation is properly distributed throughout your home.
Thermostat
A thermostat is among the most crucial components of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning on and shutting off the fan and compressor to attain a pre-set temperature. It also turns on the exchanger to pull fresh air from outside your home, and to vent old air through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by a thermosistor. The device contains metals which change resistance as temperatures change. The thermistor, connected to a controller converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats are available in a range of models that include programmable and smart thermostats that let you monitor your home’s energy consumption and adjust it accordingly.
Thermostats are often placed on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in the rooms most often used. The location of a thermostat in your home can affect its accuracy. For instance one thermostat placed in direct sunlight could appear hotter than the actual temperature of the room which can cause your system to run excessively or not operate at all. If your thermostat doesn’t work properly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t help, call an AC technician.
If you’re thinking about changing your thermostat, you should check out the various options available for you and think about the possibility of a programmable thermostat to reduce your energy bills. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust your home’s temperature to suit your needs instead of having to manually alter your HVAC system on a daily basis. It is also worth checking to determine if you can locate a better model that can give you more energy savings, such as an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.
Condenser
Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t working in the way it should. The condenser consists of several parts that must cooperate to function. If any of these components become damaged or wear out, then the entire system could be affected. Condenser problems include a broken control board for the condenser or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pumped into the condenser where the fan blows cool air from outside over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to a liquid form. This liquid at low pressure is chilled and then moved back into the evaporator to continue cooling. The process is repeated in order to reach the temperature you want for your home or office.
To ensure that your condenser is operating efficiently, make sure that the area surrounding it is clean of any debris. Leaves, twigs, flowers, grass, and other debris can be sucked into the unit by the condenser fan. This can result in clogs that can hinder the operation of the cooling system. It is a good idea to keep your trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t get in the way of the unit. This will decrease the chances that berries, nuts, or branches will enter the system and clog it. Keep your condenser in good condition to extend the lifespan of your AC by 1-2 years.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the part that circulates warm air into your home. It is comprised of a series of tubing that is shaped like a U and then formed into panels. The coils are being blown by the air of the blower. This transfer heat from the indoor environment to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool your indoor air.
The law of thermodynamics states that heat travels from colder objects to warmer ones. If the evaporator is operating correctly, the energy is transferred from warm air to the refrigerant that is colder. This causes the refrigerant to boil or evaporate into a gas. During this process, the heat that is not measured using thermometers, also known as latent heat, is transferred from the air to the refrigerant.
These coils are designed with specific structures that aid in the transfer of heat. These are also known as fins, and increase the surface area to facilitate the transfer of heat. Some evaporators are built using copper while others make use of aluminum, with each having its own set of advantages.
An evaporator that has an accumulation of organic growth is susceptible to issues. This could be the result of mildew or mold. If this is the case, the foul odors produced by the bacteria will be spread throughout the house and may cause discomfort.
To avoid these problems, it is important to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. When selecting an evaporator it is important to also take into consideration the environment in which it will be operating. Some are designed to withstand harsh conditions while others can be used in moderate conditions. In the end, you’ll want to ensure that your evaporator comes with a solid guarantee that will ensure your investment.
Fan
Your HVAC system’s blower fan functions to circulate the cool or hot air through your home until the temperature you have set is attained. The fan can be turned on automatic or constant. We suggest keeping the fan on continuous to maximize efficiency and to save money on electricity bills. We could replace the fan motor in the event that it is continuously running. The new ECM motor is 70% more energy efficient than the previous PSC motors. It will pay for itself over the lifespan of the unit.
If your fan is running on the high setting, a malfunctioning relay switch or short circuit may be hindering the settings you input on the thermostat from reaching your fan.
Filter
Air passes through the filter, before being heated or cooled before being circulated around the home. It removes impurities, and stops dust and pet dander getting into the system to contaminate internal components. It safeguards the family members from illnesses caused by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system works efficiently. A dirty filter causes the system to perform more efficiently, which could cause it to overheat and ultimately 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. If a homeowner isn’t certain which kind of filter they should use, they should consult an HVAC professional. A professional can assist homeowners select the best filter for their home, depending on factors such as temperature, how often they use their system and even personal factors, such as whether there are allergy sufferers in the house.
The filter is located in the return air duct or in some cases, the blower compartment, of the furnace. The return air duct is normally situated on the ceiling, wall or floor of the in the utility closet. It usually has a large grille made of metal that protects the filters. Ideally, the filter should be easily accessible to homeowners and service technicians in order to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
Filters are evaluated based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how efficient they are at capturing various sizes of particles. A low-MERV is able filter larger particles such as dust mites or pet dander but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters on the other hand, can catch a wide range of contaminants without restricting normal airflow.