Is Something Wrong? 10 Signs You Need HVAC Repair
Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home cozy throughout the year, but even the most trustworthy systems encounter issues from time to time. Catch these problems early to save you from expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement. Here are 10 signs that you should set up HVAC repair without delay.
1: A Spike in Energy Bills
An abrupt surge in energy costs even though there's not a similar change in usage is a sign that your HVAC system is not running optimally. Common causes include aging equipment, leaks in the ductwork or dirty coils, forcing your system to work harder to achieve your set temperature. Higher energy bills are frequently one of the first signs your system needs repair, so it’s important to watch for unexplained utility increases.
2: Unusual Noises
Your HVAC system should operate smoothly, but when you are noticing strange rattling sounds, you know something’s wrong. Such sounds often indicate loose parts, damage to the belts or a defective motor. Neglecting these sounds could lead to greater damage, so try to get in touch with a professional for furnace or AC repair as soon as you become aware of them.
3: Weird Smells
When your HVAC system is giving off foul odors, it’s time to look into it. Musty smells indicate mold in your ductwork or HVAC system, while burning/waxy odors point to electrical damage or overheated components. These odors keep your home from smelling pleasant, and in severe cases could even mess with your health. A professional HVAC technician can identify and fix the issue to restore clean-smelling operation.
4: Weak Airflow
If the air coming from the air ducts feels like it's gotten worse or uneven, a few potential issues could be to blame. The blower's air filter may be dirty, part of the ductwork may be disconnected or the blower motor may be wearing out. Not only can weaker airflow make your home heating and cooling less efficient, it also forces your system to operate less effectively, leading to increased energy bills and excessive wear and tear.
5: Lukewarm Air
Perhaps the airflow is strong, but the temperature is unusually mild compared to the settings. When turning on your air conditioner, milder “cooling” often points to a refrigerant leak or a failing compressor. And for the heating side, cool air may come from a defective ignition system or issues with the flame sensor. Finding the primary problem is the only way to recover home comfort.
6: Changing Temperatures
When one part of the house feels like one big heater while another is more like cold storage, it's usually because the HVAC system is unable to distribute air evenly. This issue could be caused by issues with your ductwork, a faulty thermostat or even the system itself performing worse and worse. Unpredictable temperatures will obviously negatively impact comfort and can also elevate energy costs and demand repairs.
7: Excessive Short Cycling
Your HVAC system should have normal operating cycles. If it constantly turns off shortly after just beginning a cycle, the system is not operating how it should. This specific malfunction, known as short cycling, is often caused by thermostat problems, a dirty air filter or an improperly sized system. Resolving this problem earlier prevents wear and tear that could cause a premature HVAC replacement.
8: Humidity Imbalance
Your HVAC system plays a big role in maintaining indoor humidity levels. If you detect unusually excessive humidity or dryness, something in the system may not be performing properly. Excessive humidity levels are difficult to live with and can promote mold growth, while reduced humidity leads to cracked skin and nasal irritation. Issues like a malfunctioning compressor or a clogged drain line may prevent your system from balancing humidity correctly. Fortunately, these issues are highly repairable.
9: Water Is Pooling Close By
Water collecting around your HVAC system is a clear sign of an issue. This could be caused by a blocked condensate drain line, which stops moisture from flowing properly, or ice forming on the condenser coils and slowly breaking down. Regardless of the cause, get in touch with a professional to resolve leaks as soon as you find them to prevent property damage and escalating issues.
10: A Faulty Thermostat
Is your HVAC system not reacting correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not activate when you change the temperature, or it may frequently misinterpret commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its link to the HVAC system, these issues cause lack of efficiency and temperature control problems.
Request HVAC Repair
If your heating system or air conditioning is exhibiting any of these signs, contact Service Experts. Our licensed technicians are ready to provide quick, lasting solutions for all your home comfort needs. We stand behind our service with a Service Experts Guarantee as your comfort is and always will be our main priority. Contact us today to set up an inspection and maintain total home comfort all year-round.
