What Went Wrong? 10 Signs It’s Time for HVAC Repair

Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home cozy in every season, but even the most dependable systems encounter issues every so often. Identify these problems early to save you from expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement. Here are 10 signs that you should arrange HVAC repair without delay.

1: A Spike in Energy Bills

An abrupt jump in energy costs despite no corresponding shift in usage suggests that your HVAC system is not running optimally. Common causes include old equipment, leaky air ducts or dirty coils, forcing your system to work that much harder to reach your preferred temperature. Higher energy bills are often among the first signs your system needs repair, so it’s crucial to pay attention to unexplained utility increases.

2: Unusual Noises

Your HVAC system should hum along fairly quietly, but once you begin to hear odd rattling sounds, it’s likely something’s wrong. These noises often indicate faulty parts, fraying belts or a failing motor. Neglecting these sounds could lead to worse damage, so try to call a professional for furnace or AC repair once you become aware of them.

3: Unpleasant Odors

When your HVAC system is giving off odd odors, it’s time to look into it. Musty smells suggest mold in your ductwork or HVAC system, while burning/waxy odors indicate electrical damage or overheating components. These odors stop your home from smelling pleasant, and in severe cases could even harm your health. A local HVAC technician can pinpoint and correct the issue to restore proper operation.

4: Weak Airflow

If the air circulation coming from the air ducts feels worse or inconsistent, several potential issues could be to blame. The system’s air filter may be blocked, part of the air ducts may be damaged or the circulation motor may be failing. Not only does weak airflow make your home more uncomfortable, 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 consistent, but the temperature is way off compared to the settings. When using your air conditioner, milder “cooling” often points to low refrigerant or a failing compressor. And for the heating side, a lack of hot air could be caused by a faulty ignition system or issues with the ignitor. Addressing the fundamental problem is the only way to reestablish home comfort.

6: Erratic Temperatures

When one room in your home feels like a sauna while another feels like cold storage, it’s likely the HVAC system is unable to circulate air evenly. This issue could result from leaky air ducts, a faulty thermostat or even the system itself becoming less efficient. Irregular temperatures will obviously negatively impact comfort and can also drive up energy costs and need repairs.

7: Excessive Short Cycling

Your HVAC system should have regular heating or cooling cycles. If it often stops running shortly after just starting up, the system is not running how it needs to. This common problem, known as short cycling, is often caused by thermostat problems, an obstructed air filter or an over- or undersized system. Resolving this problem as soon as you can mitigates 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 managing indoor humidity levels. If you experience unusually high humidity or dryness, the HVAC system may not be functioning properly. Elevated humidity levels are often gross and can encourage mold growth, while lower humidity leads to dry skin and nasal irritation. Issues like a faulty compressor or a moldy drain line may stop your system from managing humidity effectively. Thankfully, these issues are easily addressed.

9: Water Leaks Nearby

Water pooling along your HVAC system is a clear sign of a problem. This may have started with a clogged condensate drain line, which prevents moisture from draining properly, or ice forming on the evaporator coils and slowly breaking down. Whatever the cause, call a professional to patch up any leaks as soon as you notice them to avoid property damage and worsening issues.

10: A Broken Thermostat

Is your HVAC system not functioning correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not kick on when you set the temperature, or it may frequently ignore commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its relationship with the HVAC system, these concerns cause inefficiency and comfort problems.

Schedule HVAC Repair

If your heater or air conditioning is exhibiting any of these signs, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our qualified technicians are ready to provide speedy, long-lasting solutions to all your home comfort needs. We stand behind our service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee because your comfort is and always will be our main priority. Contact us today to book an appointment and ensure your home stays comfortable all year-round.