Is Something Wrong? 10 Signs You Should Call for HVAC Repair

Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home livable year-round, but even the most dependable systems encounter issues occasionally. Spot these problems early to prevent expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement. Here are 10 signs that you should schedule HVAC repair without delay.

1: More Expensive Heating and Cooling Bills

An abrupt jump in energy costs without a corresponding increase in usage suggests that your HVAC system is not running as it should. Common culprits include aging equipment, leaking ductwork or dirty coils, forcing the HVAC system to work much harder than normal to sustain your desired temperature. Steeper energy bills are often one of the first signs your system needs repair, so it’s crucial to pay attention to unexplained cost increases.

2: Louder Noises

Your HVAC system should operate without making too much noise, but once you are noticing strange clanking sounds, you know something’s wrong. Loud and annoying noises often indicate loose parts, fraying belts or a failing motor. Disregarding these sounds could lead to greater damage, so try to contact a professional for furnace or AC repair once you become aware of them.

3: Foul Odors

When your HVAC system is giving off foul odors, it’s time to investigate. Stale smells suggest mold in your ductwork or HVAC system, while burnt odors could mean electrical problems or the failure of certain components. These odors prevent your home from smelling clean, and in severe cases may even harm your health. A professional HVAC technician can identify and resolve the issue to restore normal operation.

4: Weaker Airflow

If the air circulation coming from the ventilation feels like it’s gotten worse or spotty, several common issues may be to blame. The system’s air filter may be dirty, part of the air ducts may be loose or the air blower may be failing. Not only does weaker airflow make your home climate control uneven, it also forces your system to run inefficiently, leading to increased 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 turning on your air conditioner, room-temperature “cooling” often points to insufficient coolant or a failing compressor. On the heating side, a lack of hot air can be caused by a malfunctioning ignition system or issues with the flame sensor. Finding the primary problem is the only way to bring back home comfort.

6: Swinging Temperatures

When one room in your home feels like you’re in the furnace while another feels like your refrigerator, you can bet the HVAC system is failing to distribute air evenly. This issue could stem from ductwork leaks, a defective thermostat or even the system itself becoming less efficient. Unpredictable temperatures will obviously lower 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 running cycles. If it repeatedly turns off shortly after just starting up, the system is not operating how it should. This common problem, known as short cycling, can be caused by issues with the thermostat, an obstructed air filter or an over- or undersized system. Correcting this problem earlier avoids wear and tear that could result in a premature HVAC replacement.

8: Humidity Imbalance

Your HVAC system plays a big role in regulating indoor humidity levels. If you experience unusually excessive humidity or dryness, the HVAC system may not be functioning properly. High humidity levels are often gross and can encourage mold growth, while lower humidity leads to itchy skin and nasal irritation. Root causes like a malfunctioning compressor or a blocked drain line may prevent your system from controlling humidity effectively. Thankfully, these situations are easily addressed.

9: Water Is Leaking Close By

Water collecting around 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 clearing properly, or ice forming on the condenser coils and slowly thawing. Whatever the cause, reach out to a professional to resolve leaks as soon as you find them to avoid property damage and worsening issues.

10: A Broken Thermostat

Is your HVAC system not operating correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not start up when you modify the temperature, or it may frequently misunderstand commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its communication with the HVAC system, these issues cause lack of efficiency and comfort problems.

Trust Your Local HVAC Repair

If your heater or air conditioning is showing any of these signs, contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our licensed technicians are ready to provide prompt, dependable solutions to all your home comfort concerns. We stand behind our service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee since your comfort is and always will be our top priority. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and ensure your home stays comfortable all year long.