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 reliable systems encounter issues from time to time. Catch these problems early to save you from expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement. Here are 10 signs that you should book HVAC repair without delay.

1: A Spike in Energy Bills

A sudden jump in energy costs without a similar shift in usage strongly indicates that your HVAC system is not running optimally. Common causes include old equipment, leaks in the air ducts or dirty coils, forcing your system to work that much harder to reach your preferred temperature. Jumping energy bills are often an early sign your system needs repair, so it’s vital to monitor for any unexplained bill increases.

2: Loud or Annoying Noises

Your HVAC system should hum along fairly quietly, but when you are noticing strange banging sounds, it may be because something’s wrong. These noises often signal unsecured parts, damage to the belts or a defective motor. Neglecting these sounds can lead to additional damage, so you should get in touch with a professional for furnace or AC repair once you detect them.

3: Foul Odors

When your HVAC system begins producing foul odors, it’s time to check it out. Stale smells are a sign of mold in your ductwork or HVAC system, while burning odors indicate electrical problems or the failure of certain components. These odors keep your home from smelling inviting, and in severe cases could even impact your health. A professional HVAC technician can diagnose and resolve the issue to restore clean-smelling operation.

4: Weaker Airflow

If the airflow coming from the air ducts feels worse or erratic, several potential issues could be to blame. The blower’s air filter may be obstructed by debris, part of the ventilation may be leaking or the circulation motor may be breaking down. Not only will weaker airflow make your home heating and cooling less efficient, it also forces your system to run inefficiently, leading to escalating energy bills and excessive wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Perhaps the airflow is consistent, but the temperature is too lukewarm compared to the settings. When turning on your air conditioner, warmer “cooling” often points to insufficient coolant or a defective compressor. And for the heating side, lukewarm air may come from a faulty ignition system or a problem with the ignitor. Resolving the primary problem is the only way to bring back home comfort.

6: Erratic Temperatures

When one part of the house feels like a sauna while another feels like cold storage, you can bet the HVAC system is struggling to circulate air evenly. This issue could be caused by issues with your ductwork, a defective thermostat or even the system itself losing efficiency. Unpredictable temperatures will obviously reduce comfort and can also drive up energy costs and demand repairs.

7: Excessive Heating or Cooling Cycles

Your HVAC system should have consistent heating or cooling cycles. If it often shuts back off shortly after just turning on, the system is not functioning how it is supposed to. This issue, known as short cycling, is usually caused by a faulty thermostat, a clogged air filter or a mismatched system. Fixing this problem early mitigates wear and tear that could lead to a premature HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Problems

Your HVAC system plays a major role in controlling indoor humidity levels. If you notice unusually excessive humidity or dryness, your system may not be operating properly. Elevated humidity levels are unpleasant and can encourage mold growth, while reduced humidity leads to itchy skin and nasal irritation. Issues like a malfunctioning compressor or a clogged drain line may hinder your system from controlling humidity effectively. Luckily, these situations are highly repairable.

9: Water Leaks Nearby

Water collecting near your HVAC system is a known sign of trouble. This may have started with a backed-up condensate drain line, which prevents moisture from draining properly, or ice forming on the refrigerant coils and slowly breaking down. No matter the cause, call a professional to patch up any leaks as soon as you see them to prevent property damage and growing issues.

10: A Malfunctioning Thermostat

Is your HVAC system not reacting correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not start up when you set 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 inefficiency and comfort problems.

Schedule HVAC Repair

If your furnace or air conditioning is displaying any of these signs, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our trained technicians are ready to provide fast, dependable 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 top priority. Contact us today to book an appointment and keep your home comfortable all year-round.