Is Something Wrong? 10 Signs It’s Time for HVAC Repair

Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home cozy throughout the year, but even the most dependable systems encounter issues occasionally. Catch these problems early to prevent 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 jump in energy costs without a similar shift in usage is signaling that your HVAC system is not running efficiently. Common culprits include outdated equipment, leaking air ducts or dirty coils, forcing your system to work longer and harder to reach your preferred temperature. Higher energy bills are often a primary sign your system needs repair, so it’s important to monitor for any unexplained utility increases.

2: Louder Noises

Your HVAC system should work fairly quietly, but if you start hearing unfamiliar clanking sounds, you know something’s wrong. Loud and annoying noises often suggest faulty parts, deteriorated belts or a failing motor. Overlooking these sounds may lead to worse damage, so you should get in touch with a professional for furnace or AC repair once you notice them.

3: Foul Smells

When your HVAC system gives off strange odors, it’s time to investigate. Musty smells suggest mold in your ductwork or HVAC system, while burning/waxy odors could mean electrical damage or overheating components. These odors stop your home from smelling pleasant, and in severe cases may even mess with your health. A professional HVAC technician can diagnose and fix the issue to restore normal operation.

4: Weak Airflow

If the airflow coming from the ventilation feels like it’s gotten worse or erratic, a few possible issues could be to blame. The system’s air filter may be blocked, part of the air ducts may be loose or the blower motor may be malfunctioning. Not only will weak airflow make your home heating and cooling less efficient, it also forces your system to work harder, leading to elevated energy bills and excessive wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Maybe the airflow is strong, but the temperature is way off compared to your thermostat. When turning on your air conditioner, milder “cooling” often points to low refrigerant or a failing compressor. And for the heating side, lukewarm air may come from a malfunctioning ignition system or a problem with the ignitor. Addressing the underlying problem is the only way to bring back home comfort.

6: Inconsistent Temperatures

When one room in your home feels like one big heater while another is more like your refrigerator, it’s likely the HVAC system is unable to distribute air evenly. This issue could stem from leaky air ducts, a faulty thermostat or even the system itself performing worse and worse. Inconsistent temperatures will obviously reduce comfort and can also raise energy costs and require repairs.

7: Excessive Short Cycling

Your HVAC system should have predictable operating cycles. If it constantly shuts off shortly after just powering on, the system is not running how it is supposed to. This common problem, known as short cycling, can be caused by issues with the thermostat, an obstructed air filter or a poorly sized system. Correcting this problem as soon as you can prevents wear and tear that could cause equally early HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Imbalance

Your HVAC system plays a significant role in regulating indoor humidity levels. If you experience unusually increased humidity or dryness, the HVAC system may not be working properly. High humidity levels are uncomfortable and can promote mold growth, while reduced humidity leads to itchy skin and nasal irritation. Concerns like a faulty compressor or a clogged drain line may hinder your system from managing humidity as it should. Luckily, these problems are fixable.

9: Water Is Leaking Close By

Water leaking or standing along your HVAC system is a known sign of a problem. This may have started with a backed-up condensate drain line, which stops moisture from draining properly, or ice forming on the condenser coils and slowly thawing. No matter the cause, call a professional to address leaks as soon as you find them to stop property damage and escalating issues.

10: A Malfunctioning Thermostat

Is your HVAC system not reacting correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not activate 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 problems cause suboptimal operation and temperature control problems.

Trust Your Local HVAC Repair

If your furnace or air conditioning is exhibiting any of these signs, contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our qualified technicians are ready to provide speedy, reliable solutions for all your home comfort needs. We back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee since your comfort is and always will be our top priority. Contact us today to arrange an inspection and maintain total home comfort all year long.