What Went Wrong? 10 Signs You Should Call for HVAC Repair

Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home comfortable year-round, but even the most reliable systems encounter issues every so often. Spot these problems early to reduce the risk of expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement. Here are 10 signs that you should schedule HVAC repair without delay.

1: Rising Monthly Bills

An abrupt jump in energy costs despite no corresponding increase in usage strongly indicates that your HVAC system is not running optimally. Common culprits include outdated equipment, leaky ductwork or dirty coils, forcing the HVAC system to work much harder than normal to reach your preferred temperature. Higher energy bills are frequently among the first signs your system needs repair, so it’s vital to be mindful of unexplained cost increases.

2: Louder Noises

Your HVAC system should work without making too much noise, but if you begin to hear strange banging sounds, you know something’s wrong. Loud and annoying noises often signal unsecured parts, deteriorated belts or a broken motor. Disregarding these sounds can lead to greater damage, so it’s best to contact a professional for furnace or AC repair as soon as you notice them.

3: Foul Smells

When your HVAC system is giving off foul odors, it’s time to find out why. Musty smells point to mold in your ductwork or HVAC system, while burnt odors point to electrical problems or the failure of certain components. These odors stop your home from smelling fresh, and in severe cases may even mess with your health. A local HVAC technician can diagnose and correct the issue to restore clean-smelling operation.

4: Poor Airflow

If the air coming from the air ducts feels weaker or uneven, a few common issues may be to blame. The blower’s air filter may be obstructed by debris, part of the ventilation may be disconnected or the fan motor may be failing. Not only does weak airflow make your home heating and cooling less efficient, it also forces your system to operate less effectively, leading to increased energy bills and additional wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Perhaps the airflow is strong, but the temperature is way off compared to the settings. When running your air conditioner, room-temperature “cooling” often points to low refrigerant or a faulty compressor. Regarding the heating side, cool air could be caused by a malfunctioning ignition system or issues with the ignitor. Addressing the root problem is the only way to bring back home comfort.

6: Erratic Temperatures

When one room feels like you’re in the furnace while another room’s temperature is like your refrigerator, you can bet the HVAC system is struggling to distribute air evenly. This issue could be caused by issues with your ductwork, a malfunctioning thermostat or even the system itself wearing out. Inconsistent temperatures will obviously decrease comfort and can also drive up energy costs and force you to schedule repairs.

7: Excessive Starting and Stopping

Your HVAC system should have consistent on-and-off cycles. If it frequently shuts back off shortly after just turning on, the system is not functioning how it should. This issue, known as short cycling, is often caused by thermostat malfunctions, a blocked air filter or a poorly sized system. Fixing this problem earlier stops wear and tear that could result in a premature HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Imbalance

Your HVAC system plays an important role in controlling indoor humidity levels. If you experience unusually excessive humidity or dryness, the HVAC system may not be performing properly. Excessive humidity levels are difficult to live with and can promote mold growth, while too little humidity leads to itchy skin and nasal irritation. Problems like a malfunctioning compressor or a clogged drain line may stop your system from managing humidity properly. Fortunately, these concerns are fixable.

9: Water Is Pooling Nearby

Water leaking or standing along your HVAC system is a known sign of an issue. This could be caused by an obstructed condensate drain line, which keeps moisture from draining properly, or ice forming on the evaporator coils and slowly melting. No matter the cause, reach out to a professional to fix leaks as soon as you notice them to stop property damage and growing issues.

10: An Issue with Your Thermostat

Is your HVAC system not reacting correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not kick on when you change the temperature, or it may frequently ignore commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its connection to the HVAC system, these malfunctions cause poor performance and inconsistent comfort.

Arrange for HVAC Repair

If your furnace or air conditioning is exhibiting any of these signs, get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our trained technicians are ready to provide prompt, dependable solutions to all your home comfort needs. We stand behind our service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee since your comfort is and always will be our number one priority. Contact us today to book an appointment and maintain total home comfort all year long.