What Went Wrong? 10 Signs You Need HVAC Repair

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

1: More Expensive Energy Bills

A sudden surge in energy costs despite no corresponding increase in usage strongly indicates that your HVAC system is not running efficiently. Common culprits include outdated equipment, leaky air ducts or dirty coils, forcing the HVAC system to work that much harder to maintain your set temperature. Jumping energy bills are often one of the first signs your system needs repair, so it’s vital to watch for unexplained bill increases.

2: Louder Noises

Your HVAC system should run smoothly, but if you are noticing unfamiliar clanking sounds, it’s likely something’s wrong. Such sounds often indicate unsecured parts, deteriorated belts or a defective motor. Ignoring these sounds can lead to additional damage, so it’s best to reach out to a professional for furnace or AC repair once you become aware of them.

3: Foul Smells

When your HVAC system gives off odd odors, it’s time to check it out. Musty smells suggest mold in your ductwork or HVAC unit, while burning odors suggest electrical damage or the failure of certain components. These odors keep your home from smelling fresh, and in severe cases could even impact your health. A professional HVAC technician can identify and repair the issue to restore clean-smelling operation.

4: Poor Airflow

If the air circulation coming from the air ducts feels worse or inconsistent, several possible issues could be to blame. The blower’s air filter may be clogged, part of the ductwork may be loose or the air blower may be malfunctioning. Not only can weak airflow make your home less comfortable, it also forces your system to operate less effectively, leading to escalating energy bills and extra wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Maybe the airflow is consistent, but the temperature is way off compared to the settings. When turning on your air conditioner, lukewarm “cooling” often points to low refrigerant or a failing compressor. Regarding the heating side, cooler air may be caused by a broken ignition system or when something goes wrong with the ignition system. Resolving the underlying problem is the only way to restore home comfort.

6: Inconsistent Temperatures

When one part of the house feels like one big heater while another is more like the icebox, it’s likely the HVAC system is unable to regulate the flow of air evenly. This issue could originate from ductwork leaks, a faulty thermostat or even the system itself performing worse and worse. Uneven temperatures will obviously decrease comfort and can also drive up energy costs and need repairs.

7: Excessive Short Cycling

Your HVAC system should have regular on-and-off cycles. If it frequently turns off shortly after just beginning a cycle, the system is not performing how it is supposed to. This specific malfunction, known as short cycling, can be caused by thermostat problems, a dirty air filter or a poorly sized system. Addressing this problem as soon as you can avoids wear and tear that could lead to equally early HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Problems

Your HVAC system plays a big role in regulating indoor humidity levels. If you feel unusually increased humidity or dryness, something in the system may not be functioning properly. Excessive humidity levels are uncomfortable and can lead to mold growth, while too little humidity leads to cracked skin and nasal irritation. Problems like a broken compressor or a clogged drain line may prevent your system from regulating humidity correctly. Fortunately, these issues are quickly resolved.

9: Water Leaks Close By

Water gathering along your HVAC system is a clear sign of problems. This may have started with a blocked condensate drain line, which prevents moisture from clearing properly, or ice forming on the condenser coils and slowly melting. Whatever the cause, contact a professional to resolve leaks as soon as you find them to prevent property damage and more severe issues.

10: A Malfunctioning Thermostat

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

Request HVAC Repair

If your furnace or air conditioning is exhibiting any of these signs, contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our certified technicians are ready to provide speedy, reliable solutions to all your home comfort concerns. We ensure a job well done with a 100% satisfaction guarantee since your comfort is and always will be our top priority. Contact us today to arrange an inspection and protect your sense of comfort all year-round.