Is Something Wrong? 10 Signs You Should Call for HVAC Repair

Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home cozy year-round, but even the most trustworthy systems encounter issues occasionally. Spot these problems early to reduce the risk of expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement. Here are 10 signs that you should schedule HVAC repair without delay.

1: A Spike in Heating and Cooling Bills

An unexplained increase in energy costs even though there’s not a corresponding increase in usage strongly indicates that your HVAC system is not running as it should. Common causes include old equipment, leaking ductwork or dirty coils, forcing the HVAC system to work longer and harder to maintain your set temperature. Higher energy bills are frequently an early sign your system needs repair, so it’s vital to be mindful of unexplained utility increases.

2: Louder Noises

Your HVAC system should operate without making too much noise, but when you are noticing strange banging sounds, you know something’s wrong. Loud and annoying noises often indicate loose parts, damage to the belts or a broken motor. Neglecting these sounds can lead to worse damage, so it’s best to reach out to a professional for furnace or AC repair as soon as you hear them.

3: Foul Smells

When your HVAC system gives off strange odors, it’s time to look into it. Stale smells are a sign of mold in your ductwork or HVAC unit, while burning odors could mean electrical problems or overworked components. These odors prevent your home from smelling fresh, and in severe cases could even impact your health. A local HVAC technician can assess and correct the issue to restore clean-smelling operation.

4: Poor Airflow

If the air coming from the air ducts feels weaker or erratic, a few potential issues may be to blame. The air filter may be blocked, part of the ductwork may be damaged or the blower motor may be wearing out. Not only can weak airflow make your home climate control uneven, it also forces your system to operate less effectively, leading to higher energy bills and accelerated wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Perhaps the airflow is normal, but the temperature is way off compared to your thermostat. When running your air conditioner, milder “cooling” often points to low refrigerant or a faulty compressor. On the heating side, cooler air may be caused by a broken ignition system or when something goes wrong with the flame sensor. Addressing the primary problem is the only way to bring back home comfort.

6: Erratic Temperatures

When one part of the house feels like an oven while another is more like the icebox, it’s usually because your HVAC system is failing to circulate air evenly. This issue could result from ductwork leaks, a malfunctioning thermostat or even the system itself losing efficiency. Irregular temperatures will obviously lower comfort and can also raise energy costs and demand repairs.

7: Excessive Heating or Cooling Cycles

Your HVAC system should have regular heating or cooling cycles. If it constantly shuts back off shortly after just starting up, the system is not performing how it needs to. This issue, known as short cycling, can be caused by thermostat malfunctions, a clogged air filter or an over- or undersized system. Fixing this problem as soon as you can avoids wear and tear that could cause equally early HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Imbalance

Your HVAC system plays an important role in managing indoor humidity levels. If you notice unusually high humidity or dryness, your system may not be performing properly. Increased humidity levels are unpleasant and can cause mold growth, while low humidity leads to itchy skin and nasal irritation. Problems like a faulty compressor or a clogged drain line may hinder your system from regulating humidity as it should. Thankfully, these problems are quickly resolved.

9: Water Is Leaking Close By

Water leaking or standing along your HVAC system is a common sign of trouble. This could be caused by a backed-up condensate drain line, which keeps moisture from draining properly, or ice forming on the condenser coils and slowly melting. Regardless of the cause, get in touch with a professional to address leaks as soon as you see them to avoid property damage and growing issues.

10: An Issue with Your Thermostat

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

Arrange for HVAC Repair

If your furnace 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 for all your home comfort needs. We back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee because your comfort is and always will be our top priority. Contact us today to book an appointment and keep your home comfortable all year long.