10 Ways to Know Your Heating and Cooling Needs Repair
Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home livable throughout the year, but even the most reliable systems encounter issues from time to time. Spot these problems early to prevent expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement. Here are 10 signs that you should set up HVAC repair without delay.
1 – Loud or Annoying Noises
Your HVAC system should hum along fairly quietly, but when you are noticing strange rattling sounds, it’s likely something’s wrong. These noises often suggest unsecured parts, damage to the belts or a malfunctioning motor. Overlooking these sounds may lead to more severe damage, so try to reach out to a professional for furnace or AC repair as soon as you hear them.
2 – Weaker Airflow
If the air coming from the ventilation feels worse or inconsistent, several potential issues could be to blame. The filter may be blocked, part of the ductwork may be damaged or the fan motor may be failing. Not only does weaker airflow make your home more uncomfortable, it also forces your system to exert more effort, leading to increased energy bills and additional wear and tear.
3 – Erratic Temperatures
When one part of the house feels like an oven while another feels like cold storage, you can bet the HVAC system is failing to regulate the flow of air evenly. This issue could be caused by a break in the ventilation system, a broken thermostat or even the system itself performing worse and worse. Unpredictable temperatures will obviously negatively impact comfort and can also elevate energy costs and require repairs.
4 – Unpleasant Smells
When your HVAC system begins producing odd odors, it’s time to investigate. Musty smells suggest mold in your ductwork or HVAC system, while burning/waxy odors suggest electrical problems or overworked components. These odors keep your home from smelling pleasant, and in severe cases may even mess with your health. A certified HVAC technician can pinpoint and repair the issue to restore normal operation.
5 – Higher Monthly Bills
An abrupt spike in energy costs despite no similar change in usage strongly indicates that your HVAC system is not running properly. Common culprits include old equipment, leaky air ducts or dirty coils, forcing your system to work harder to maintain your preferred temperature. Higher energy bills are often among the first signs your system needs repair, so it’s vital to be mindful of unexplained bill increases.
6 – A Malfunctioning Thermostat
Is your HVAC system not responding correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not activate when you modify the temperature, or it may frequently misunderstand commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its link to the HVAC system, these problems cause inefficiency and temperature control problems.
7 – Water Is Leaking Nearby
Water gathering along 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 moving through the lines properly, or ice forming on the refrigerant coils and slowly breaking down. Regardless of the cause, get in touch with a professional to repair leaks as soon as you see them to reduce property damage and escalating issues.
8 – Humidity Is Too High or Low
Your HVAC system plays a major role in controlling indoor humidity levels. If you experience unusually elevated humidity or dryness, the HVAC system may not be performing properly. Elevated humidity levels are unpleasant and can cause mold growth, while low humidity leads to itchy skin and nasal irritation. Problems like a faulty compressor or a blocked drain line may prevent your system from controlling humidity effectively. Fortunately, these problems are fixable.
9 – Excessive Starting and Stopping
Your HVAC system should have consistent on-and-off cycles. If it repeatedly shuts off shortly after just powering on, the system is not running how it needs to. This common problem, known as short cycling, can be caused by a faulty thermostat, a dirty air filter or a poorly sized system. Addressing this problem as soon as you can avoids wear and tear that could cause a premature HVAC replacement.
10 – Air Isn’t the Desired Temperature
Sometimes the airflow is consistent, but the temperature is way off compared to your thermostat. When using your air conditioner, warmer “cooling” often points to low refrigerant or a faulty compressor. And for the heating side, lukewarm air may be caused by a malfunctioning ignition system or when something goes wrong with the ignitor. Resolving the fundamental problem is the only way to recover home comfort.
Get Professional HVAC Repair from Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc.
If your heating system or air conditioning is displaying any of these signs, contact Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc.. Our trained technicians are ready to provide fast, lasting 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 top priority. Contact us today to set up an inspection and protect your sense of comfort all year-round.