Ways to Know You Need HVAC Repair

It’s critical that your HVAC system makes the inside of your home a pleasant place to live, manages the humidity and enhances indoor air quality. But like any mechanical device, it may display signs of trouble when it’s beginning to fail. Ignoring these signs can lead to an emergency breakdown at the worst possible time, requiring costly repairs. To avoid being blindsided, contact a technician from Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc. for guidance if you notice any of these signs your HVAC system needs attention.

Your HVAC System Isn’t Heating or Cooling the Air

If your HVAC system isn’t able to make warm air in the winter or cool air in the summer, there’s a strong possibility it’s struggling. Warm air from an air conditioning system might be a sign of low refrigerant, a clogged condenser unit or compressor issues. Meanwhile, cool air from your furnace might suggest ignition problems, insufficient fuel or a faulty blower motor.

The Furnace or Air Conditioning Short Cycles

Does your furnace or air conditioner frequently turn on and off before running through a complete cycle? Known as short cycling, this problem puts stress on your system and lower efficiency. Sometimes, a malfunctioning thermostat will improperly gauge the room temperature and cause the HVAC system turning on and off unnecessarily. A dirty air filter also could be another cause, because this can limit airflow and cause the unit to turn off to prevent damage.

Strange Noises Coming from Your HVAC

An HVAC system makes some noise while it’s operating, but any sounds you don’t recognize are usually a cause for concern. Rattling noises might mean parts came loose, while banging sounds can signal a damaged or detached component. Whirring or grating sounds could indicate motor issues, especially if parts are breaking or no longer working properly. Odd noises almost never fix themselves, so a repair is required before things deteriorate more.

Your HVAC System Stinks

It’s never pleasant when your HVAC system produces a bad smell, but it also may be dangerous. A musty smell may suggest mold is growing within the ducts or the unit itself. If you smell smoke, it may indicate a serious issue like a burned-out motor. And a sulfuric odor is the most alarming because it can point to a gas leak. In this case, power down your HVAC system, exit the building and get into the fresh air. Once you’re outside and safe, contact the fire department for help.

Abnormally High Utility Bills

If your energy expenses shoot up but you haven’t changed your usage habits, your HVAC system could be running more than usual to keep your home comfortable. This often happens as parts deteriorate and the system no longer runs efficiently. You can delay this decline by maintaining your system regularly with checkups.

Your Home Is Too Humid

A heating and cooling system that operates correctly will manage indoor humidity alongside controlling the temperature. If your home feels unusually humid or you spot condensation on the windows, your system may not be dehumidifying your property properly. Excessive moisture in the air can feel unpleasant, encourage mold growth, distort wood furnishings and even negatively affect your electronics. Frequent culprits for high humidity levels include restricted air movement, contaminated evaporator coils or an improperly sized HVAC system.

Water Around Your Heating or Cooling Unit

Finding water leaks around your HVAC unit is a warning you might be dealing with a refrigerant leak or an obstructed drain line. A refrigerant leak saps your unit’s cooling power and can lead to the evaporator coil freezing up, which creates moisture buildup when the ice melts. Similarly, a clogged drain line causes water damage if left unaddressed.

How to Make the Right Choice Between Repair or Replacement

If you see that your HVAC system needs some TLC, but how can you tell whether a repair or replacement is best? Here are some points to help you decide what’s best for your home:

• Your HVAC equipment is approaching its twilight years: Most HVAC systems last 10 to 15 years with routine upkeep. If your unit is reaching or has exceeded this age, it may be running on borrowed time. Older systems tend to use more energy and more expensive to repair due to hard-to-find replacement parts, so think about upgrading to a new, energy-efficient model to reduce utility bills and pay for fewer future repairs.

• The HVAC system in your home repeatedly fails: If you’re repeatedly calling for heating or air repair, the costs can really add up. Eventually, you’ll need to quit wasting funds on an unreliable system and swap out your finicky system with a new, energy-efficient one.

• Repair costs are accumulating: If heating or cooling repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, replacement is usually the more prudent investment, especially if the system is aging.

• Your heating and cooling system can’t keep up: A system that has always struggled to keep your home comfortable may be too small, excessive or improperly configured. A carefully selected new HVAC unit provides better climate control and improves indoor air quality.

Contact Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc. for Local Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing in

The team at Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc. is committed to delivering comfort with every visit. Our licensed, skilled HVAC technicians ensure reliable solutions supported with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re in any way disappointed in our service, we’ll work to correct the issue.

 Call 440-394-7046 today to arrange your next HVAC repair or replacement in with Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc.!