Is There a Problem? 10 Signs You Should Call for HVAC Repair
Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home pleasant all year long, but even the most durable systems encounter issues every so often. Spot these problems early to prevent expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement. Here are 10 signs that you should set up HVAC repair without delay.
1: Rising Heating and Cooling Bills
An abrupt spike in energy costs despite no similar shift in usage is a sign that your HVAC system is not running properly. Common culprits include worn-out equipment, leaky air ducts or dirty coils, forcing your system to work harder to sustain your desired temperature. Steeper energy bills are often an early sign your system needs repair, so it’s crucial to be mindful of unexplained cost increases.
2: Louder Noises
Your HVAC system should work fairly quietly, but if you begin to hear unfamiliar clanking sounds, it’s likely something’s wrong. Loud and annoying noises often point to unsecured parts, deteriorated belts or a failing motor. Neglecting these sounds can lead to additional damage, so you should reach out to a professional for furnace or AC repair as soon as you detect them.
3: Foul Smells
When your HVAC system begins producing strange odors, it’s time to investigate. Musty smells point to mold in your ductwork or HVAC unit, while burnt odors indicate electrical damage or overheating components. These odors stop your home from smelling clean, and in severe cases can even impact your health. A local HVAC technician can diagnose and resolve the issue to restore normal operation.
4: Poor Airflow
If the airflow coming from your vents feels like it’s gotten worse or uneven, a few potential issues might be to blame. The filter may be dirty, part of the ventilation may be loose or the fan motor may be malfunctioning. Not only can weak airflow make your home heating and cooling less efficient, it also forces your system to operate less effectively, leading to elevated energy bills and extra wear and tear.
5: Lukewarm Air
Maybe the airflow is strong, but the temperature is too lukewarm compared to your thermostat. When using your air conditioner, lukewarm “cooling” often points to insufficient coolant or a defective compressor. On the heating side, cool air could come from a defective ignition system or issues with the ignitor. Identifying the underlying problem is the only way to restore home comfort.
6: Changing Temperatures
When one room in your home feels like a sauna while another room’s temperature is like a freezer, it’s likely the HVAC system is unable to circulate air evenly. This issue could result from issues with your ductwork, a broken thermostat or even the system itself performing worse and worse. Uneven temperatures will obviously lower comfort and can also raise energy costs and require repairs.
7: Excessive Starting and Stopping
Your HVAC system should have consistent operating cycles. If it frequently shuts off shortly after just powering on, the system is not functioning how it is supposed to. This issue, known as short cycling, is often caused by a faulty thermostat, a dirty air filter or a poorly sized system. Resolving this problem as soon as you can avoids wear and tear that could result in a premature HVAC replacement.
8: Humidity Problems
Your HVAC system plays a big role in controlling indoor humidity levels. If you experience unusually excessive humidity or dryness, the HVAC system may not be functioning properly. Increased humidity levels are often gross and can cause mold growth, while low humidity leads to itchy skin and nasal irritation. Concerns like a defective compressor or a blocked drain line may stop your system from regulating humidity as it should. Luckily, these problems are highly repairable.
9: Water Is Leaking Nearby
Water collecting near your HVAC system is a clear sign of an issue. This could be caused by a clogged condensate drain line, which prevents moisture from clearing properly, or ice forming on the condenser coils and slowly thawing. Regardless of the cause, reach out to a professional to resolve leaks as soon as you see them to avoid property damage and more severe issues.
10: A Faulty Thermostat
Is your HVAC system not responding correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not turn on when you set the temperature, or it may frequently misread commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its relationship with the HVAC system, these malfunctions cause suboptimal operation and temperature control problems.
Trust Your Local HVAC Repair
If your heating or air conditioning is exhibiting any of these signs, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our licensed technicians are ready to provide fast, dependable solutions to all your home comfort needs. We back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee as your comfort is and always will be our number one priority. Contact us today to book an inspection and protect your sense of comfort all year-round.
