What Went Wrong? 10 Signs It’s Time for HVAC Repair

Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home livable in every season, but even the most reliable systems encounter issues periodically. Catch these problems early to save you from expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement. Here are 10 signs that you should arrange HVAC repair without delay.

1: Rising Energy Bills

An unexplained spike in energy costs without a corresponding change in usage strongly indicates that your HVAC system is not running efficiently. Common causes include worn-out equipment, leaking air ducts or dirty coils, forcing your system to work that much harder to sustain your desired temperature. Jumping energy bills are often an early sign your system needs repair, so it’s important to watch for unexplained utility increases.

2: Louder Noises

Your HVAC system should run without making too much noise, but once you are noticing strange banging sounds, you know something’s wrong. Such sounds often suggest loose parts, worn-out belts or a malfunctioning motor. Neglecting these sounds may lead to additional damage, so it’s best to contact a professional for furnace or AC repair once you hear them.

3: Unpleasant Odors

When your HVAC system begins producing unpleasant odors, it’s time to investigate. Musty smells point to mold in your ductwork or HVAC system, while burning/waxy odors could mean electrical problems or the failure of certain components. These odors stop your home from smelling inviting, and in severe cases can even impact your health. A certified HVAC technician can diagnose and correct the issue to restore proper operation.

4: Weak Airflow

If the airflow coming from the air ducts feels like it’s gotten worse or spotty, several potential issues could be to blame. The filter may be clogged, part of the ventilation may be damaged or the blower motor may be wearing out. Not only can weaker airflow make your home more uncomfortable, it also forces your system to operate less effectively, leading to higher energy bills and excessive wear and tear.

5: Lukewarm Air

Sometimes the airflow is consistent, but the temperature is too lukewarm compared to the settings. When running your air conditioner, warmer “cooling” often points to insufficient coolant or a malfunctioning compressor. And for the heating side, a lack of hot air could be caused by a malfunctioning ignition system or issues with the flame sensor. Finding the primary problem is the only way to restore home comfort.

6: Swinging Temperatures

When one room feels like a sauna while another feels like a freezer, it’s likely your HVAC system is struggling to circulate air evenly. This issue could stem from a break in the ventilation system, a broken thermostat or even the system itself losing efficiency. Inconsistent temperatures will obviously negatively impact comfort and can also raise energy costs and force you to schedule repairs.

7: Excessive Short Cycling

Your HVAC system should have consistent heating or cooling cycles. If it constantly stops running shortly after just beginning a cycle, the system is not running how it should. This specific malfunction, known as short cycling, is usually caused by a faulty thermostat, a clogged air filter or a poorly sized system. Addressing this problem as soon as you can limits wear and tear that could contribute to a premature HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Is Too High or Low

Your HVAC system plays an important role in regulating indoor humidity levels. If you feel unusually increased humidity or dryness, something in the system may not be working properly. High humidity levels are difficult to live with and can encourage mold growth, while low humidity leads to dry skin and nasal irritation. Issues like a malfunctioning compressor or a moldy drain line may prevent your system from regulating humidity as it should. Fortunately, these issues are easily addressed.

9: Water Leaks Close By

Water gathering along your HVAC system is a common sign of problems. This could be caused by a clogged condensate drain line, which keeps moisture from draining properly, or ice forming on the evaporator coils and slowly melting. Whatever the cause, contact a professional to fix leaks as soon as you see them to avoid 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 start up when you change the temperature, or it may frequently misread commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its link to the HVAC system, these issues cause lack of efficiency and comfort problems.

Request HVAC Repair

If your furnace or air conditioning is displaying any of these signs, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our qualified technicians are ready to provide fast, lasting solutions to all your home comfort needs. We back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee since your comfort is and always will be our number one priority. Contact us today to set up an inspection and ensure your home stays comfortable all year-round.