Is Something Wrong?
Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home cozy year-round, but even the most reliable systems encounter issues occasionally. Spot these problems early to help avoid 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 Heating and Cooling Bills
An abrupt spike in energy costs without a similar shift in usage is signaling that your HVAC system is not running optimally. Common causes include aging equipment, leaking ductwork or dirty coils, forcing your system to work longer and harder to reach your set temperature. Steeper energy bills are frequently an early sign your system needs repair, so it’s vital to monitor for any unexplained utility increases.
2: Louder Noises
Your HVAC system should operate in the background, but when you begin to hear strange banging sounds, it's likely something’s wrong. Such sounds often indicate rattling parts, damage to the belts or a broken motor. Disregarding these sounds may lead to more severe damage, so you should reach out to a professional for furnace or AC repair once you become aware of them.
3: Strange Smells
When your HVAC system gives off strange odors, it’s time to find out why. Damp smells are a sign of mold in your ductwork or HVAC system, while smoky odors point to electrical problems or overworked components. These odors keep your home from smelling pleasant, and in severe cases may even harm your health. A professional HVAC technician can assess and resolve the issue to restore clean-smelling operation.
4: Weak Airflow
If the air circulation coming from your vents feels like it's gotten worse or inconsistent, several possible issues may be to blame. The air filter may be dirty, part of the air ducts may be leaking or the fan motor may be breaking down. Not only does weaker airflow make your home heating and cooling less efficient, it also forces your system to run inefficiently, leading to increased energy bills and excessive wear and tear.
5: Lukewarm Air
Maybe the airflow is consistent, but the temperature is way off compared to the settings. When using your air conditioner, lukewarm “cooling” often points to low refrigerant or a defective compressor. And for the heating side, cool air can come from a broken ignition system or issues with the ignitor. Addressing the primary problem is the only way to bring back home comfort.
6: Swinging Temperatures
When one part of the house feels like one big heater while another feels like the icebox, you can bet the HVAC system is unable to distribute air evenly. This issue could be caused by a break in the ventilation system, a broken thermostat or even the system itself losing efficiency. Unpredictable temperatures will obviously negatively impact comfort and can also elevate energy costs and require repairs.
7: Excessive Heating or Cooling Cycles
Your HVAC system should have predictable operating cycles. If it often shuts back off shortly after just turning on, the system is not running how it needs to. This specific malfunction, known as short cycling, is often caused by thermostat problems, a blocked air filter or an over- or undersized system. Resolving this problem as soon as you can stops wear and tear that could result in a premature HVAC replacement.
8: Humidity Is Too High or Low
Your HVAC system plays a major role in regulating indoor humidity levels. If you notice unusually high humidity or dryness, your system may not be operating properly. Elevated humidity levels are unpleasant and can encourage mold growth, while too little humidity leads to dry skin and nasal irritation. Root causes like a faulty compressor or a clogged drain line may stop your system from controlling humidity correctly. Thankfully, these concerns are easily addressed.
9: Water Is Pooling Nearby
Water collecting near your HVAC system is a common sign of problems. This could be caused by a backed-up condensate drain line, which stops moisture from moving through the lines properly, or ice forming on the evaporator coils and slowly thawing. Regardless of the cause, contact a professional to fix leaks as soon as you notice them to avoid property damage and growing issues.
10: An Issue with Your Thermostat
Is your HVAC system not responding correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not activate when you set the temperature, or it may frequently misinterpret commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its relationship with the HVAC system, these malfunctions cause suboptimal operation and comfort issues.
Arrange for HVAC Repair
If your furnace or air conditioning is displaying any of these signs, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our qualified technicians are ready to provide prompt, dependable solutions for all your home comfort concerns. We back our work with a Service Experts Guarantee because your comfort is and always will be our top priority. Contact us today to set up an appointment and keep your home comfortable all year long.
