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 periodically. Detect 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: A Spike in Heating and Cooling Bills

An unexplained spike in energy costs without a similar change in usage strongly indicates that your HVAC system is not running as it should. Common culprits include worn-out equipment, leaking air ducts or dirty coils, forcing the HVAC system to work much harder than normal to achieve your set temperature. Jumping energy bills are often an early sign your system needs repair, so it’s important to watch for unexplained bill increases.

2: Loud or Annoying Noises

Your HVAC system should hum along fairly quietly, but if you begin to hear unfamiliar banging sounds, you know something’s wrong. Loud and annoying noises often suggest unsecured parts, deteriorated belts or a broken motor. Disregarding these sounds may lead to more severe damage, so you should get in touch with a professional for furnace or AC repair as soon as you become aware of them.

3: Strange Odors

When your HVAC system is giving off unpleasant odors, it’s time to find out why. Damp smells suggest mold in your ductwork or HVAC unit, while smoky odors point to electrical damage or overworked components. These odors keep your home from smelling inviting, and in severe cases could even harm your health. A local HVAC technician can pinpoint and repair the issue to restore no-smell operation.

4: Poor Airflow

If the airflow coming from the air ducts feels like it’s gotten worse or inconsistent, a few potential issues may be to blame. The filter may be clogged, part of the ductwork may be leaking or the blower motor may be failing. Not only will weaker airflow make your home more uncomfortable, it also forces your system to exert more effort, leading to escalating energy bills and extra wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Perhaps the airflow is consistent, but the temperature is too lukewarm compared to your thermostat. When turning on your air conditioner, milder “cooling” often points to insufficient coolant or a defective compressor. On the heating side, cooler air can come from a defective ignition system or a problem with the ignition system. Addressing the root problem is the only way to bring back home comfort.

6: Changing Temperatures

When one part of the house feels like an oven while another room’s temperature is like the icebox, you can bet your HVAC system is unable to distribute air evenly. This issue could be caused by ductwork leaks, a broken thermostat or even the system itself performing worse and worse. Uneven temperatures will obviously decrease comfort and can also raise energy costs and force you to schedule repairs.

7: Excessive Heating or Cooling Cycles

Your HVAC system should have consistent operating cycles. If it often shuts back off shortly after just turning on, the system is not functioning how it should. This issue, known as short cycling, can be caused by thermostat problems, a clogged air filter or a poorly sized system. Resolving this problem earlier prevents wear and tear that could contribute to equally early HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Problems

Your HVAC system plays a significant role in controlling indoor humidity levels. If you notice unusually increased humidity or dryness, the HVAC system may not be working properly. Increased humidity levels are unpleasant and can lead to mold growth, while lower humidity leads to itchy skin and nasal irritation. Problems like a defective compressor or a blocked drain line may stop your system from regulating humidity efficiently. Luckily, these issues are highly repairable.

9: Water Leaks Nearby

Water gathering around your HVAC system is a clear sign of trouble. This may have started with an obstructed condensate drain line, which prevents moisture from draining properly, or ice forming on the refrigerant coils and slowly thawing. No matter the cause, call a professional to repair leaks as soon as you find them to prevent property damage and escalating issues.

10: A Broken Thermostat

Is your HVAC system not responding correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not kick on when you adjust the temperature, or it may frequently misunderstand commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its communication with the HVAC system, these malfunctions cause lack of efficiency and inconsistent comfort.

Request HVAC Repair

If your furnace or air conditioning is showing any of these signs, contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our trained technicians are ready to provide speedy, dependable solutions to all your home comfort needs. We back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee because your comfort is and always will be our number one priority. Contact us today to arrange an inspection and ensure your home stays comfortable all year-round.