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

Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home pleasant in every season, but even the most durable systems encounter issues from time to time. Catch 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: More Expensive Heating and Cooling Bills

A sudden jump in energy costs despite no similar shift in usage suggests that your HVAC system is not running as it should. Common culprits include outdated equipment, leaks in the air ducts or dirty coils, forcing your system to work longer and harder to achieve your preferred temperature. Higher energy bills are frequently a primary sign your system needs repair, so it’s important to pay attention to unexplained utility increases.

2: Loud or Annoying Noises

Your HVAC system should work without making too much noise, but if you start hearing unfamiliar clanking sounds, it’s likely something’s wrong. These noises often point to faulty parts, fraying belts or a defective motor. Disregarding these sounds can lead to greater damage, so try to get in touch with a professional for furnace or AC repair once you hear them.

3: Unpleasant Odors

When your HVAC system is giving off strange odors, it’s time to check it out. Musty smells are a sign of mold in your ductwork or HVAC unit, while burning odors suggest electrical problems or the failure of certain components. These odors keep your home from smelling pleasant, and in severe cases can even impact your health. A professional HVAC technician can diagnose and fix the issue to restore normal operation.

4: Poor Airflow

If the airflow coming from the air ducts feels weaker or inconsistent, several potential issues could be to blame. The air filter may be dirty, part of the ventilation may be disconnected or the blower motor may be wearing out. Not only will weak airflow make your home heating and cooling less efficient, it also forces your system to operate less effectively, leading to elevated energy bills and extra wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Maybe the airflow is strong, but the temperature is too lukewarm compared to the settings. When turning on your air conditioner, warmer “cooling” often points to low refrigerant or a malfunctioning compressor. And for the heating side, a lack of hot air could be caused by a defective ignition system or issues with the ignition system. Addressing the root problem is the only way to bring back home comfort.

6: Erratic Temperatures

When one room feels like an oven while another room’s temperature is like a freezer, it’s usually because your HVAC system is failing to circulate air evenly. This issue could originate from leaky air ducts, a broken thermostat or even the system itself losing efficiency. Uneven temperatures will obviously negatively impact comfort and can also elevate energy costs and need repairs.

7: Excessive Starting and Stopping

Your HVAC system should have normal heating or cooling cycles. If it often shuts back off shortly after just beginning a cycle, the system is not performing how it is supposed to. This issue, known as short cycling, is usually caused by issues with the thermostat, an obstructed air filter or a mismatched system. Resolving this problem as soon as you can mitigates wear and tear that could cause a premature HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Imbalance

Your HVAC system plays a big role in regulating indoor humidity levels. If you notice unusually high humidity or dryness, something in the system may not be working properly. Excessive humidity levels are uncomfortable and can cause mold growth, while reduced humidity leads to cracked skin and nasal irritation. Problems like a broken compressor or a moldy drain line may hinder your system from regulating humidity efficiently. Thankfully, these problems are fixable.

9: Water Is Leaking Close By

Water pooling along your HVAC system is a known sign of an issue. This may have started with a backed-up condensate drain line, which keeps moisture from clearing properly, or ice forming on the refrigerant coils and slowly breaking down. Whatever the cause, get in touch with a professional to resolve leaks as soon as you see them to reduce property damage and more severe issues.

10: A Broken Thermostat

Is your HVAC system not functioning correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not kick on when you change the temperature, or it may frequently misinterpret commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its communication with the HVAC system, these problems cause lack of efficiency and temperature control problems.

Request HVAC Repair

If your furnace or air conditioning is exhibiting any of these signs, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our certified technicians are ready to provide speedy, dependable solutions to all your home comfort needs. We ensure a job well done with a 100% satisfaction guarantee as your comfort is and always will be our number one priority. Contact us today to book an inspection and ensure your home stays comfortable all year long.