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

Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home comfortable all year long, but even the most durable systems encounter issues from time to time. Catch these problems early to prevent 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 without a corresponding increase in usage suggests that your HVAC system is not running as it should. Common causes include outdated equipment, leaks in the air ducts or dirty coils, forcing the HVAC system to work much harder than normal to maintain your set temperature. Jumping energy bills are often an early sign your system needs repair, so it’s important to pay attention to unexplained utility increases.

2: Louder Noises

Your HVAC system should run smoothly, but if you begin to hear odd rattling sounds, it may be because something’s wrong. These noises often point to faulty parts, deteriorated belts or a broken motor. Overlooking these sounds could lead to more severe damage, so try to reach out to a professional for furnace or AC repair as soon as you detect them.

3: Weird Smells

When your HVAC system begins producing foul odors, it’s time to look into it. Damp smells indicate mold in your ductwork or HVAC unit, while burning odors point to electrical damage or overheated components. These odors keep your home from smelling fresh, and in severe cases could even harm your health. A professional HVAC technician can assess and correct the issue to restore proper operation.

4: Poor Airflow

If the air circulation coming from the ventilation feels worse or erratic, several potential issues could be to blame. The system’s air filter may be obstructed by debris, part of the ventilation may be disconnected or the blower motor may be failing. Not only does weaker airflow make your home more uncomfortable, it also forces your system to run inefficiently, leading to higher energy bills and additional wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Perhaps the airflow is strong, but the temperature is way off compared to your thermostat. When turning on your air conditioner, room-temperature “cooling” often points to a refrigerant leak or a failing compressor. And for the heating side, cooler air could come from a broken ignition system or when something goes wrong with the ignition system. Finding the underlying problem is the only way to bring back home comfort.

6: Inconsistent Temperatures

When one room feels like a sauna while another is more like a freezer, it’s usually because the HVAC system is unable to circulate air evenly. This issue could originate from a break in the ventilation system, a malfunctioning thermostat or even the system itself becoming less efficient. Uneven temperatures will obviously reduce comfort and can also elevate energy costs and demand repairs.

7: Excessive Starting and Stopping

Your HVAC system should have regular heating or cooling cycles. If it frequently turns off shortly after just turning on, the system is not performing how it needs to. This issue, known as short cycling, can be caused by issues with the thermostat, a blocked air filter or a poorly sized system. Correcting this problem early prevents wear and tear that could cause equally early HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Is Too High or Low

Your HVAC system plays a significant role in controlling indoor humidity levels. If you feel unusually high humidity or dryness, your system may not be operating properly. Elevated humidity levels are difficult to live with and can lead to mold growth, while reduced humidity leads to cracked skin and nasal irritation. Root causes like a broken compressor or a blocked drain line may hinder your system from managing humidity properly. Thankfully, these problems are quickly resolved.

9: Water Is Leaking Close By

Water gathering around your HVAC system is a known sign of problems. This may have started with a backed-up condensate drain line, which stops moisture from clearing properly, or ice forming on the condenser coils and slowly breaking down. Regardless of the cause, reach out to a professional to resolve leaks as soon as you notice them to prevent property damage and worsening issues.

10: An Issue with Your Thermostat

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

Trust Your Local HVAC Repair

If your heater or air conditioning is exhibiting any of these signs, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our certified technicians are ready to provide prompt, lasting solutions to all your home comfort concerns. We ensure a job well done with a 100% satisfaction guarantee since your comfort is and always will be our main priority. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your home stays comfortable all year-round.