Is There a Problem? 10 Signs You Should Call for HVAC Repair

Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home livable year-round, but even the most durable 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 set up HVAC repair without delay.

1: Rising Monthly Bills

An abrupt surge in energy costs even though there’s not a corresponding change in usage suggests that your HVAC system is not running efficiently. Common causes include old equipment, leaky air ducts or dirty coils, forcing the HVAC system to work longer and harder to maintain your preferred temperature. Steeper energy bills are often a primary sign your system needs repair, so it’s important to monitor for any unexplained bill increases.

2: Unusual Noises

Your HVAC system should hum along in the background, but once you are noticing unfamiliar squealing sounds, it may be because something’s wrong. These noises often signal faulty parts, deteriorated belts or a defective motor. Overlooking these sounds could lead to additional damage, so try to reach out to a professional for furnace or AC repair once you notice them.

3: Foul Odors

When your HVAC system gives off unpleasant odors, it’s time to find out why. Stale smells suggest mold in your ductwork or HVAC system, while smoky odors indicate electrical problems or overheated components. These odors keep your home from smelling inviting, and in severe cases may even harm your health. A local HVAC technician can pinpoint and resolve the issue to restore normal operation.

4: Weak Airflow

If the air circulation coming from the ventilation feels like it’s gotten worse or inconsistent, a few possible issues could be to blame. The filter may be clogged, part of the ventilation may be disconnected or the circulation motor may be breaking down. Not only does weak airflow make your home less comfortable, it also forces your system to run inefficiently, leading to escalating energy bills and accelerated wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Perhaps the airflow is consistent, but the temperature is unusually mild compared to your thermostat. When using your air conditioner, warmer “cooling” often points to insufficient coolant or a defective compressor. On the heating side, cool air can be caused by a broken ignition system or when something goes wrong with the ignition system. Finding the underlying problem is the only way to restore home comfort.

6: Inconsistent Temperatures

When one part of the house feels like a sauna while another is more like a freezer, it’s usually because your HVAC system is struggling to distribute air evenly. This issue could be caused by issues with your ductwork, a broken thermostat or even the system itself wearing out. Uneven temperatures will obviously lower comfort and can also drive up energy costs and force you to schedule repairs.

7: Excessive Starting and Stopping

Your HVAC system should have regular heating or cooling cycles. If it frequently stops running shortly after just beginning a cycle, the system is not running how it needs to. This specific malfunction, known as short cycling, is often caused by thermostat malfunctions, a blocked air filter or a mismatched system. Addressing this problem earlier prevents wear and tear that could result in a premature HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Is Too High or Low

Your HVAC system plays a significant role in controlling indoor humidity levels. If you experience unusually increased humidity or dryness, the HVAC system may not be functioning properly. High humidity levels are uncomfortable 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 up drain line may hinder your system from regulating humidity correctly. Thankfully, these situations are quickly resolved.

9: Water Is Pooling Nearby

Water leaking or standing near your HVAC system is a clear sign of an issue. This could be caused by a clogged condensate drain line, which keeps moisture from moving through the lines properly, or ice forming on the refrigerant coils and slowly breaking down. Regardless of the cause, contact a professional to address leaks as soon as you notice them to stop property damage and escalating issues.

10: A Malfunctioning Thermostat

Is your HVAC system not responding correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not activate when you modify the temperature, or it may frequently misread commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its communication with the HVAC system, these problems cause poor performance and comfort problems.

Request HVAC Repair

If your heater or air conditioning is exhibiting any of these signs, get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our certified technicians are ready to provide speedy, dependable solutions to all your home comfort concerns. We back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee as your comfort is and always will be our main priority. Contact us today to arrange an appointment and maintain total home comfort all year-round.