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

Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home livable in every season, but even the most dependable systems encounter issues periodically. Detect these problems early to prevent expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement. Here are 10 signs that you should schedule HVAC repair without delay.

1: Higher Energy Bills

An abrupt spike in energy costs even though there’s not a corresponding increase in usage suggests that your HVAC system is not running optimally. Common culprits include aging equipment, leaks in the ductwork or dirty coils, forcing the HVAC system to work that much harder to reach your desired temperature. Higher energy bills are frequently one of the first signs your system needs repair, so it’s crucial to pay attention to unexplained cost increases.

2: Loud or Annoying Noises

Your HVAC system should hum along in the background, but once you begin to hear odd rattling sounds, you know something’s wrong. Loud and annoying noises often signal loose parts, worn-out belts or a defective motor. Disregarding these sounds can lead to additional damage, so you should get in touch with 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. Damp smells indicate mold in your ductwork or HVAC unit, while burning/waxy odors could mean electrical problems or the failure of certain components. These odors keep your home from smelling pleasant, and in severe cases can even mess with your health. A certified HVAC technician can diagnose and fix the issue to restore normal operation.

4: Weaker Airflow

If the air circulation coming from the air ducts feels weak or erratic, a few potential issues may be to blame. The air filter may be clogged, part of the air ducts may be disconnected or the fan motor may be wearing out. Not only can weak airflow make your home less comfortable, it also forces your system to exert more effort, leading to elevated energy bills and additional wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Sometimes the airflow is strong, but the temperature is unusually mild compared to the settings. When using your air conditioner, milder “cooling” often points to low refrigerant or a malfunctioning compressor. On the heating side, a lack of hot air may be caused by a defective ignition system or a problem with the flame sensor. Identifying the primary problem is the only way to restore home comfort.

6: Changing Temperatures

When one part of the house feels like an oven while another feels like a freezer, you can bet your HVAC system is struggling to regulate the flow of air evenly. This issue could be caused by leaky air ducts, a broken thermostat or even the system itself wearing out. Uneven temperatures will obviously lower comfort and can also elevate energy costs and force you to schedule repairs.

7: Excessive Starting and Stopping

Your HVAC system should have normal running cycles. If it often stops running shortly after just turning on, the system is not running how it needs to. This issue, known as short cycling, can be caused by thermostat malfunctions, a dirty air filter or an over- or undersized system. Fixing this problem as soon as you can limits wear and tear that could result in a premature HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Is Too High or Low

Your HVAC system plays a significant role in regulating indoor humidity levels. If you feel unusually elevated humidity or dryness, something in the system may not be working properly. Elevated humidity levels are difficult to live with and can cause mold growth, while too little humidity leads to cracked skin and nasal irritation. Concerns like a defective compressor or a blocked drain line may prevent your system from balancing humidity effectively. Luckily, these issues are quickly resolved.

9: Water Leaks Close By

Water pooling around your HVAC system is a common sign of a problem. This may have started with a backed-up condensate drain line, which keeps moisture from moving through the lines properly, or ice forming on the condenser coils and slowly melting. No matter the cause, reach out to a professional to patch up any leaks as soon as you see them to avoid property damage and more severe issues.

10: A Malfunctioning Thermostat

Is your HVAC system not responding correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not turn on when you change the temperature, or it may frequently misunderstand commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its link to the HVAC system, these malfunctions cause lack of efficiency and comfort problems.

Trust Your Local HVAC Repair

If your heating system or air conditioning is showing any of these signs, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our certified technicians are ready to provide fast, dependable solutions for all your home comfort needs. We stand behind our service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee because your comfort is and always will be our main priority. Contact us today to arrange an appointment and keep your home comfortable all year-round.