Is Something Wrong? 10 Signs You Need HVAC Repair

Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home comfortable all year long, but even the most reliable systems encounter issues periodically. Detect these problems early to reduce the risk of 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 increase in energy costs even though there’s not a corresponding change in usage strongly indicates that your HVAC system is not running efficiently. Common culprits include aging equipment, leaks in the air ducts or dirty coils, forcing your system to work much harder than normal to maintain your desired temperature. Higher energy bills are often an early sign your system needs repair, so it’s vital to be mindful of unexplained utility increases.

2: Louder Noises

Your HVAC system should hum along smoothly, but when you begin to hear unfamiliar squealing sounds, you know something’s wrong. Loud and annoying noises often indicate rattling parts, damage to the belts or a broken motor. Ignoring these sounds could lead to additional damage, so it’s best to get in touch with a professional for furnace or AC repair once you hear them.

3: Strange Smells

When your HVAC system gives off foul odors, it’s time to look into it. Stale smells suggest mold in your ductwork or HVAC system, while burning/waxy odors indicate electrical problems or overheating components. These odors prevent your home from smelling clean, and in severe cases may even impact your health. A local HVAC technician can pinpoint and repair the issue to restore normal operation.

4: Weaker Airflow

If the air coming from the ventilation feels worse or spotty, several common issues could be to blame. The air filter may be dirty, part of the ventilation may be loose or the circulation motor may be failing. Not only does weaker airflow make your home more uncomfortable, it also forces your system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and excessive wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Sometimes the airflow is strong, but the temperature is unusually mild compared to your thermostat. When running your air conditioner, room-temperature “cooling” often points to a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning compressor. On the heating side, a lack of hot air may come from a defective ignition system or when something goes wrong with the ignition system. Identifying the primary problem is the only way to bring back home comfort.

6: Inconsistent Temperatures

When one room in your home feels like you’re in the furnace while another feels like a freezer, it’s usually because the HVAC system is failing to circulate air evenly. This issue could stem from a break in the ventilation system, a malfunctioning thermostat or even the system itself wearing out. Irregular temperatures will obviously reduce comfort and can also raise energy costs and require repairs.

7: Excessive Starting and Stopping

Your HVAC system should have predictable heating or cooling cycles. If it repeatedly turns off shortly after just powering on, the system is not performing how it is supposed to. This specific malfunction, known as short cycling, is often caused by a faulty thermostat, an obstructed air filter or a poorly sized system. Correcting this problem earlier stops wear and tear that could cause a premature HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Problems

Your HVAC system plays a major role in regulating indoor humidity levels. If you experience unusually elevated humidity or dryness, something in the system may not be operating properly. Increased humidity levels are often gross and can lead to mold growth, while too little humidity leads to cracked skin and nasal irritation. Concerns like a defective compressor or a clogged up drain line may stop your system from regulating humidity correctly. Luckily, these situations are fixable.

9: Water Is Pooling Close By

Water leaking or standing near your HVAC system is a common sign of trouble. This may have started with a blocked condensate drain line, which keeps moisture from flowing properly, or ice forming on the evaporator coils and slowly breaking down. Whatever the cause, contact a professional to address leaks as soon as you find them to avoid property damage and worsening issues.

10: A Broken Thermostat

Is your HVAC system not reacting correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not start up when you change the temperature, or it may frequently misunderstand commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its communication with the HVAC system, these concerns cause inefficiency and comfort problems.

Arrange for HVAC Repair

If your heating system or air conditioning is exhibiting any of these signs, get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our licensed technicians are ready to provide speedy, long-lasting solutions for all your home comfort concerns. We ensure a job well done with a 100% satisfaction guarantee as your comfort is and always will be our top priority. Contact us today to set up an inspection and ensure your home stays comfortable all year-round.