What Went Wrong? 10 Signs You Should Call for HVAC Repair

Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home pleasant all year long, but even the most durable systems encounter issues every so often. Identify these problems early to help avoid expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement. Here are 10 signs that you should book HVAC repair without delay.

1: Higher Monthly Bills

A sudden surge in energy costs even though there’s not a corresponding increase in usage suggests that your HVAC system is not running properly. Common culprits include old equipment, leaky air ducts or dirty coils, forcing the HVAC system to work harder to reach your set temperature. Jumping energy bills are often a primary sign your system needs repair, so it’s vital to be mindful of unexplained bill increases.

2: Loud or Annoying Noises

Your HVAC system should operate without making too much noise, but once you begin to hear unfamiliar clanking sounds, it’s likely something’s wrong. Loud and annoying noises often suggest unsecured parts, deteriorated belts or a broken motor. Neglecting these sounds could lead to greater 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 is giving off odd odors, it’s time to find out why. Musty smells are a sign of mold in your ductwork or HVAC unit, while burning/waxy odors could mean electrical damage or the failure of certain components. These odors stop your home from smelling fresh, and in severe cases can even impact your health. A professional HVAC technician can assess and correct the issue to restore no-smell operation.

4: Poor Airflow

If the airflow coming from the ventilation feels weak or uneven, a few potential issues may be to blame. The filter may be clogged, part of the ductwork may be leaking or the air blower may be breaking down. Not only will weaker airflow make your home climate control uneven, it also forces your system to exert more effort, leading to higher energy bills and additional wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Maybe the airflow is strong, but the temperature is unusually mild compared to the settings. When using your air conditioner, lukewarm “cooling” often points to low refrigerant or a malfunctioning compressor. On the heating side, lukewarm air can be caused by a faulty ignition system or when something goes wrong with the flame sensor. Addressing the root problem is the only way to bring back home comfort.

6: Changing Temperatures

When one room in your home feels like one big heater while another feels like your refrigerator, you can bet your HVAC system is unable to regulate the flow of air evenly. This issue could result from ductwork leaks, a broken thermostat or even the system itself wearing out. Unpredictable temperatures will obviously decrease comfort and can also raise energy costs and force you to schedule repairs.

7: Excessive Heating or Cooling Cycles

Your HVAC system should have regular operating cycles. If it often shuts off shortly after just beginning a cycle, the system is not running how it is supposed to. This issue, known as short cycling, can be caused by a faulty thermostat, a clogged air filter or a mismatched system. Addressing this problem early mitigates wear and tear that could cause equally early HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Is Too High or Low

Your HVAC system plays a big role in controlling indoor humidity levels. If you detect unusually high humidity or dryness, the HVAC system may not be performing properly. Excessive humidity levels are uncomfortable and can cause mold growth, while lower humidity leads to cracked skin and nasal irritation. Issues like a broken compressor or a clogged up drain line may hinder your system from balancing humidity properly. Fortunately, these situations are quickly resolved.

9: Water Is Leaking Close By

Water gathering along your HVAC system is a clear sign of trouble. This could be caused by a blocked condensate drain line, which stops moisture from flowing properly, or ice forming on the evaporator coils and slowly breaking down. No matter the cause, get in touch with a professional to fix leaks as soon as you notice them to reduce property damage and more severe issues.

10: A Faulty Thermostat

Is your HVAC system not responding correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not kick on when you adjust the temperature, or it may frequently misread commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its link to the HVAC system, these issues cause suboptimal operation and temperature control problems.

Trust Your Local HVAC Repair

If your heater or air conditioning is exhibiting any of these signs, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our licensed technicians are ready to provide quick, reliable solutions to all your home comfort concerns. We stand behind our service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee because your comfort is and always will be our top priority. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and maintain total home comfort all year-round.