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

Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home cozy all year long, but even the most durable systems encounter issues every so often. Catch 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: Rising Heating and Cooling Bills

An unexplained spike in energy costs even though there’s not a similar shift in usage strongly indicates that your HVAC system is not running as it should. Common causes include outdated equipment, leaky ductwork or dirty coils, forcing the HVAC system to work much harder than normal to maintain your set temperature. Higher energy bills are frequently an early sign your system needs repair, so it’s crucial to pay attention to unexplained bill increases.

2: Unusual Noises

Your HVAC system should work in the background, but when you are noticing strange rattling sounds, you know something’s wrong. Such sounds often indicate unsecured parts, worn-out belts or a broken motor. Ignoring these sounds can lead to worse damage, so try to get in touch with a professional for furnace or AC repair once you hear them.

3: Unpleasant Odors

When your HVAC system is giving off odd 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 overheated components. These odors stop your home from smelling fresh, and in severe cases could even affect your health. A local HVAC technician can diagnose and repair the issue to restore normal operation.

4: Poor Airflow

If the airflow coming from your vents feels like it’s gotten worse or spotty, several possible issues might be to blame. The system’s air filter may be dirty, part of the ductwork may be disconnected or the circulation motor may be malfunctioning. Not only will weaker airflow make your home more uncomfortable, it also forces your system to operate less effectively, leading to increased energy bills and extra 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, warmer “cooling” often points to low refrigerant or a malfunctioning compressor. And for the heating side, cooler air could be caused by a defective ignition system or issues with the flame sensor. Finding the fundamental problem is the only way to reestablish home comfort.

6: Changing Temperatures

When one part of the house feels like an oven while another is more like your refrigerator, it’s usually because your HVAC system is unable to distribute air evenly. This issue could originate from issues with your ductwork, a faulty thermostat or even the system itself becoming less efficient. Unpredictable temperatures will obviously decrease comfort and can also drive up energy costs and force you to schedule repairs.

7: Excessive Heating or Cooling Cycles

Your HVAC system should have consistent operating cycles. If it constantly turns off shortly after just powering on, the system is not running how it should. This common problem, known as short cycling, is usually caused by thermostat problems, a blocked air filter or an improperly sized system. Correcting this problem early avoids wear and tear that could lead to a premature HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Imbalance

Your HVAC system plays a significant role in managing indoor humidity levels. If you experience unusually elevated humidity or dryness, your system may not be performing properly. Elevated humidity levels are unpleasant and can lead to mold growth, while lower humidity leads to itchy skin and nasal irritation. Issues like a broken compressor or a clogged up drain line may stop your system from managing humidity efficiently. Luckily, these situations are quickly resolved.

9: Water Is Leaking Close By

Water pooling around your HVAC system is a known sign of a problem. This could be caused by a backed-up condensate drain line, which stops moisture from draining properly, or ice forming on the evaporator coils and slowly thawing. No matter the cause, reach out to a professional to address leaks as soon as you see them to prevent 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 change the temperature, or it may frequently ignore commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its communication with the HVAC system, these concerns cause suboptimal operation and comfort problems.

Schedule HVAC Repair

If your heating or air conditioning is showing any of these signs, contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our qualified technicians are ready to provide quick, lasting solutions to all your home comfort concerns. We ensure a job well done with a 100% satisfaction guarantee because your comfort is and always will be our number one priority. Contact us today to book an inspection and protect your sense of comfort all year-round.