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

Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home cozy all year long, but even the most durable systems encounter issues occasionally. Catch these problems early to reduce the risk of 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 unexplained surge in energy costs even though there’s not a similar shift in usage strongly indicates that your HVAC system is not running optimally. Common causes include aging equipment, leaking air ducts or dirty coils, forcing your system to work that much harder to maintain your set temperature. Jumping energy bills are often one of the first signs your system needs repair, so it’s vital to pay attention to unexplained utility increases.

2: Louder Noises

Your HVAC system should operate smoothly, but when you start hearing odd rattling sounds, it may be because something’s wrong. These noises often indicate unsecured parts, damage to the belts or a failing motor. Disregarding these sounds could lead to additional damage, so try to get in touch with a professional for furnace or AC repair once you become aware of them.

3: Unpleasant Odors

When your HVAC system gives off odd odors, it’s time to check it out. Stale smells point to mold in your ductwork or HVAC unit, while smoky odors point to electrical damage or overworked components. These odors stop your home from smelling clean, and in severe cases could even affect your health. A certified HVAC technician can identify and repair the issue to restore clean-smelling operation.

4: Weaker Airflow

If the airflow coming from the air ducts feels weaker or erratic, several possible issues might be to blame. The blower’s air filter may be clogged, part of the air ducts may be damaged or the circulation motor may be breaking down. Not only can weaker airflow make your home more uncomfortable, it also forces your system to run inefficiently, leading to escalating energy bills and additional wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Perhaps the airflow is sufficient, but the temperature is too lukewarm compared to the settings. When using your air conditioner, lukewarm “cooling” often points to insufficient coolant or a faulty compressor. And for the heating side, lukewarm air can be caused by a malfunctioning ignition system or a problem with the flame sensor. Identifying the root problem is the only way to bring back home comfort.

6: Inconsistent Temperatures

When one part of the house feels like an oven while another feels like the icebox, it’s usually because the HVAC system is failing to circulate air evenly. This issue could stem from a break in the ventilation system, a malfunctioning thermostat or even the system itself losing efficiency. Unpredictable temperatures will obviously reduce comfort and can also drive up energy costs and force you to schedule repairs.

7: Excessive Starting and Stopping

Your HVAC system should have consistent running cycles. If it repeatedly turns off shortly after just beginning a cycle, the system is not functioning how it should. This specific malfunction, known as short cycling, can be caused by thermostat problems, an obstructed air filter or a mismatched system. Correcting this problem earlier stops wear and tear that could lead to a premature HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Imbalance

Your HVAC system plays a significant role in managing indoor humidity levels. If you feel unusually increased humidity or dryness, something in the system may not be performing properly. Elevated humidity levels are difficult to live with and can promote mold growth, while too little humidity leads to dry skin and nasal irritation. Root causes like a defective compressor or a blocked drain line may prevent your system from balancing humidity as it should. Luckily, these situations are highly repairable.

9: Water Leaks Close By

Water pooling around your HVAC system is a clear sign of a problem. This may have started with a blocked condensate drain line, which stops moisture from clearing properly, or ice forming on the evaporator coils and slowly melting. Regardless of the cause, call a professional to patch up any leaks as soon as you find them to reduce property damage and more severe issues.

10: A Faulty Thermostat

Is your HVAC system not operating correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not start up when you set the temperature, or it may frequently misinterpret commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its link to the HVAC system, these malfunctions cause poor performance and comfort problems.

Arrange for HVAC Repair

If your heater or air conditioning is displaying any of these signs, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our qualified technicians are ready to provide quick, long-lasting solutions for all your home comfort needs. We stand behind our service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee as your comfort is and always will be our top priority. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and maintain total home comfort all year long.