Is There a Problem? 10 Signs You Need HVAC Repair

Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home livable year-round, but even the most trustworthy systems encounter issues every so often. Identify 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: More Expensive Heating and Cooling Bills

A sudden surge in energy costs despite no similar increase in usage is signaling that your HVAC system is not running optimally. Common causes include worn-out equipment, leaky air ducts or dirty coils, forcing the HVAC system to work longer and harder to achieve your set temperature. Jumping energy bills are frequently an early sign your system needs repair, so it’s vital to be mindful of unexplained cost increases.

2: Louder Noises

Your HVAC system should hum along smoothly, but if you are noticing strange banging sounds, you know something’s wrong. These noises often signal faulty parts, deteriorated belts or a broken motor. Overlooking these sounds may lead to greater damage, so try to call a professional for furnace or AC repair once you detect them.

3: Unpleasant Smells

When your HVAC system is giving off strange odors, it’s time to check it out. Damp smells indicate mold in your ductwork or HVAC unit, while burnt odors point to electrical damage or overworked components. These odors keep your home from smelling clean, and in severe cases could even affect your health. A certified HVAC technician can assess and fix the issue to restore normal operation.

4: Weaker Airflow

If the air circulation coming from the ventilation feels like it’s gotten worse or inconsistent, a few possible issues could be to blame. The blower’s air filter may be dirty, part of the ductwork may be damaged or the air blower may be failing. Not only will weak airflow make your home heating and cooling less efficient, it also forces your system to work harder, leading to escalating energy bills and excessive wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Sometimes the airflow is consistent, but the temperature is too lukewarm compared to your thermostat. When turning on your air conditioner, lukewarm “cooling” often points to a refrigerant leak or a failing compressor. Regarding the heating side, lukewarm air may be caused by a faulty ignition system or when something goes wrong with the ignition system. Finding the underlying problem is the only way to reestablish home comfort.

6: Changing Temperatures

When one room in your home feels like a sauna while another is more like cold storage, you can bet the HVAC system is unable to regulate the flow of air evenly. This issue could result from leaky air ducts, a faulty 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 Short Cycling

Your HVAC system should have predictable operating cycles. If it frequently stops running shortly after just starting up, the system is not performing how it is supposed to. This common problem, known as short cycling, is usually caused by a faulty thermostat, a dirty air filter or a mismatched system. Fixing this problem earlier limits wear and tear that could contribute to equally early HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Problems

Your HVAC system plays an important role in regulating indoor humidity levels. If you feel unusually increased humidity or dryness, the HVAC system may not be working properly. Elevated humidity levels are uncomfortable and can encourage mold growth, while reduced humidity leads to itchy skin and nasal irritation. Issues like a defective compressor or a clogged up drain line may stop your system from controlling humidity as it should. Luckily, these concerns are fixable.

9: Water Is Pooling Nearby

Water pooling around your HVAC system is a clear sign of trouble. This may have started with a backed-up condensate drain line, which prevents moisture from clearing properly, or ice forming on the condenser coils and slowly breaking down. No matter the cause, call a professional to resolve leaks as soon as you notice them to prevent property damage and escalating issues.

10: A Malfunctioning Thermostat

Is your HVAC system not functioning correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not start up 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 comfort issues.

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 trained technicians are ready to provide quick, lasting solutions for all your home comfort concerns. 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 schedule an inspection and keep your home comfortable all year long.