10 Ways to Know Your HVAC System Needs Repair

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

1 – Unusual Noises

Your HVAC system should hum along fairly quietly, but when you start hearing odd squealing sounds, it may be because something’s wrong. Such sounds often suggest rattling parts, fraying belts or a failing motor. Overlooking these sounds can lead to greater damage, so try to call a professional for furnace or AC repair as soon as you become aware of them.

2 – Weak Airflow

If the air circulation coming from your vents feels worse or spotty, several possible issues could be to blame. The blower’s air filter may be clogged, part of the air ducts may be damaged or the blower motor may be breaking down. Not only will weak airflow make your home heating and cooling less efficient, it also forces your system to work harder, leading to elevated energy bills and additional wear and tear.

3 – Changing Temperatures

When one part of the house feels like a sauna while another room’s temperature is like your refrigerator, you can bet the HVAC system is unable to circulate air evenly. This issue could stem from a break in the ventilation system, a faulty thermostat or even the system itself becoming less efficient. Unpredictable temperatures will obviously decrease comfort and can also drive up energy costs and demand repairs.

4 – Weird Smells

When your HVAC system is giving off unpleasant odors, it’s time to find out why. Musty smells are a sign of mold in your ductwork or HVAC system, while burning odors suggest electrical damage or the failure of certain components. These odors keep your home from smelling inviting, and in severe cases could even affect your health. A local HVAC technician can identify and correct the issue to restore normal operation.

5 – Rising Monthly Bills

A sudden increase in energy costs even though there’s not a similar increase in usage is a sign that your HVAC system is not running optimally. Common causes include aging equipment, leaks in the ductwork or dirty coils, forcing your system to work that much harder 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.

6 – A Broken Thermostat

Is your HVAC system not responding correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not turn on when you set the temperature, or it may frequently ignore commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its relationship with the HVAC system, these issues cause lack of efficiency and comfort issues.

7 – Water Is Leaking Nearby

Water leaking or standing near your HVAC system is a common sign of problems. This could be caused by a backed-up condensate drain line, which keeps moisture from clearing properly, or ice forming on the refrigerant coils and slowly melting. No matter the cause, call a professional to fix leaks as soon as you see them to stop property damage and worsening issues.

8 – Humidity Imbalance

Your HVAC system plays a significant role in controlling indoor humidity levels. If you notice unusually elevated humidity or dryness, the HVAC system may not be operating properly. Increased humidity levels are uncomfortable and can lead to mold growth, while lower humidity leads to itchy skin and nasal irritation. Issues like a broken compressor or a blocked drain line may stop your system from controlling humidity correctly. Luckily, these concerns are easily addressed.

9 – Excessive Short Cycling

Your HVAC system should have normal running cycles. If it often turns off shortly after just starting up, the system is not running how it needs to. This issue, known as short cycling, can be caused by issues with the thermostat, a blocked air filter or a mismatched system. Fixing this problem early limits wear and tear that could cause a premature HVAC replacement.

10 – Air Isn’t the Correct Temperature

Sometimes the airflow is normal, but the temperature is too lukewarm compared to your thermostat. When turning on your air conditioner, lukewarm “cooling” often points to low refrigerant or a faulty compressor. On the heating side, lukewarm air can come from a faulty ignition system or issues with the ignitor. Identifying the root problem is the only way to reestablish home comfort.

Get Certified HVAC Repair from Environmental Systems Associates

If your furnace or air conditioning is showing any of these signs, call Environmental Systems Associates. Our certified technicians are ready to provide quick, reliable solutions to all your home comfort needs. We ensure a job well done with a 100% satisfaction guarantee since your comfort is and always will be our main priority. Contact us today to arrange an inspection and maintain total home comfort all year long.