Is There a Problem? 10 Signs You Need HVAC Repair

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

1: More Expensive Energy Bills

An unexplained increase in energy costs despite no similar shift in usage strongly indicates that your HVAC system is not running efficiently. Common causes include worn-out equipment, leaking ductwork or dirty coils, forcing your system to work that much harder to maintain your desired temperature. Steeper energy bills are frequently one of the first signs your system needs repair, so it’s crucial to be mindful of unexplained bill increases.

2: Unusual Noises

Your HVAC system should operate without making too much noise, but if you start hearing strange banging sounds, it’s likely something’s wrong. Loud and annoying noises often signal loose parts, fraying belts or a broken motor. Overlooking these sounds can lead to worse damage, so you should contact a professional for furnace or AC repair as soon as you detect them.

3: Strange Odors

When your HVAC system is giving off foul odors, it’s time to check it out. Damp smells indicate mold in your ductwork or HVAC unit, while burnt odors indicate electrical damage or overheating components. These odors prevent your home from smelling pleasant, and in severe cases could even harm your health. A professional HVAC technician can pinpoint and correct the issue to restore clean-smelling operation.

4: Weaker Airflow

If the air circulation coming from the ventilation feels weak or erratic, several possible issues could be to blame. The system’s air filter may be blocked, part of the ventilation may be damaged or the air blower may be failing. Not only does weaker airflow make your home heating and cooling less efficient, it also forces your system to run inefficiently, leading to escalating energy bills and excessive wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Sometimes the airflow is sufficient, but the temperature is unusually mild compared to the settings. When using your air conditioner, milder “cooling” often points to insufficient coolant or a defective compressor. And for the heating side, lukewarm air could be caused by a defective ignition system or issues with the ignitor. Finding the root problem is the only way to restore home comfort.

6: Changing Temperatures

When one room in your home feels like an oven while another feels like a freezer, it’s usually because your HVAC system is failing to distribute air evenly. This issue could originate from a break in the ventilation system, a defective thermostat or even the system itself performing worse and worse. Irregular temperatures will obviously decrease comfort and can also elevate energy costs and require repairs.

7: Excessive Starting and Stopping

Your HVAC system should have regular operating cycles. If it frequently shuts back off shortly after just turning on, the system is not running how it is supposed to. This common problem, known as short cycling, is usually caused by thermostat problems, a clogged air filter or an improperly sized system. Fixing this problem earlier avoids wear and tear that could cause equally early HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Imbalance

Your HVAC system plays an important role in controlling indoor humidity levels. If you feel unusually excessive humidity or dryness, your system may not be functioning properly. Increased humidity levels are often gross and can promote mold growth, while lower humidity leads to dry skin and nasal irritation. Root causes like a faulty compressor or a moldy drain line may hinder your system from managing humidity as it should. Luckily, these situations are quickly resolved.

9: Water Is Pooling Close By

Water pooling near your HVAC system is a clear sign of problems. This may have started with a backed-up condensate drain line, which stops moisture from moving through the lines properly, or ice forming on the refrigerant coils and slowly melting. No matter the cause, contact a professional to fix leaks as soon as you see them to reduce 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 adjust the temperature, or it may frequently ignore commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its link to the HVAC system, these concerns cause suboptimal operation and comfort problems.

Request HVAC Repair

If your heater or air conditioning is displaying any of these signs, get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our licensed technicians are ready to provide speedy, reliable solutions to all your home comfort needs. We stand behind our service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee as 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.