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

Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home comfortable year-round, 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

An unexplained jump in energy costs despite no similar increase in usage suggests that your HVAC system is not running as it should. Common causes include aging equipment, leaks in the ductwork or dirty coils, forcing your system to work longer and harder to reach your set temperature. Jumping energy bills are often 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 operate fairly quietly, but when you start hearing odd banging sounds, it’s likely something’s wrong. Such sounds often indicate loose parts, damage to the belts or a defective motor. Overlooking these sounds can lead to more severe damage, so you should reach out to a professional for furnace or AC repair once you become aware of them.

3: Weird Smells

When your HVAC system begins producing foul odors, it’s time to look into it. Musty smells indicate mold in your ductwork or HVAC unit, while burning odors suggest electrical problems or the failure of certain components. These odors prevent your home from smelling pleasant, and in severe cases can even affect your health. A professional HVAC technician can diagnose and repair the issue to restore no-smell operation.

4: Weaker Airflow

If the air coming from the air ducts feels weaker or inconsistent, a few possible issues may be to blame. The blower’s air filter may be dirty, part of the ductwork may be disconnected or the blower motor may be breaking down. Not only will weak airflow make your home less comfortable, it also forces your system to work harder, leading to increased energy bills and extra wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Perhaps the airflow is sufficient, but the temperature is way off compared to your thermostat. When turning on your air conditioner, lukewarm “cooling” often points to low refrigerant or a malfunctioning compressor. Regarding the heating side, lukewarm air could come from a defective ignition system or when something goes wrong with the ignition system. Identifying the root problem is the only way to reestablish home comfort.

6: Changing Temperatures

When one room in your home feels like one big heater while another feels like the icebox, it’s likely the HVAC system is failing to circulate air evenly. This issue could originate from ductwork leaks, a defective thermostat or even the system itself becoming less efficient. Unpredictable temperatures will obviously negatively impact comfort and can also drive up energy costs and force you to schedule repairs.

7: Excessive Starting and Stopping

Your HVAC system should have consistent operating cycles. If it repeatedly shuts off shortly after just powering on, the system is not operating how it needs to. This common problem, known as short cycling, is often caused by thermostat malfunctions, a dirty air filter or a mismatched system. Correcting this problem early stops wear and tear that could contribute to equally early HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Problems

Your HVAC system plays a big role in managing indoor humidity levels. If you detect unusually increased humidity or dryness, the HVAC system may not be functioning properly. High humidity levels are uncomfortable and can cause mold growth, while reduced humidity leads to itchy skin and nasal irritation. Concerns like a faulty compressor or a clogged up drain line may stop your system from balancing humidity as it should. Thankfully, these situations are easily addressed.

9: Water Is Pooling Close By

Water pooling around your HVAC system is a known sign of a problem. This may have started with a backed-up condensate drain line, which keeps moisture from draining properly, or ice forming on the refrigerant coils and slowly melting. Regardless of the cause, reach out to a professional to address leaks as soon as you notice them to stop property damage and escalating issues.

10: A Malfunctioning Thermostat

Is your HVAC system not responding correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not start up when you set the temperature, or it may frequently misread commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its connection to the HVAC system, these problems cause inefficiency and comfort problems.

Request HVAC Repair

If your heater or air conditioning is showing any of these signs, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our qualified technicians are ready to provide prompt, reliable solutions to all your home comfort concerns. We back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee as your comfort is and always will be our main priority. Contact us today to set up an appointment and maintain total home comfort all year-round.