Ways to Know You Need HVAC Repair

It’s essential that your HVAC system makes the inside of your home a pleasant place to live, controls humidity and boosts indoor air quality. But like any equipment, it may show signs of trouble when it’s beginning to fail. Disregarding these signs can cause an emergency breakdown at the worst possible time, requiring costly repairs. To prevent being blindsided, contact a technician from Environmental Systems Associates for consultation if you observe any of these signs your HVAC system needs attention.

Your HVAC System Is Producing Lukewarm Air

If your heating or cooling system fails to make warm air in the winter or cool air in the summer, there’s a strong possibility it’s having issues. Warm air from an AC unit could be a sign of low refrigerant, a obstructed condenser unit or compressor issues. Meanwhile, cool air from your furnace could indicate faulty ignition components, insufficient fuel or a defective blower motor.

The Furnace or Air Conditioning Frequently Turns Off and On

Does your furnace or air conditioner frequently cycle on and off before completing a complete cycle? Referred to as short cycling, this malfunction strains your system and reduce efficiency. Sometimes, a malfunctioning thermostat will improperly gauge the room temperature and lead to the HVAC system cycling unnecessarily. A clogged air filter also might be another cause, because this can limit airflow and trigger a system stoppage to prevent damage.

Strange Noises Coming from Your HVAC

An HVAC system produces some noise while it’s running, but any sounds you don’t recognize are usually warning signs. Clattering sounds is a possible sign parts have become detached, while banging sounds can indicate a broken or disconnected component. Whirring or grating sounds might signify motor issues, especially if parts are wearing out or no longer working properly. Odd noises seldom fix themselves, so a repair is required before things get even worse.

Unpleasant Odors Coming from Your HVAC

It’s troubling when your HVAC system produces a bad smell, but it might also be dangerous. A damp scent could mean mold is flourishing within the ducts or the unit itself. The smell of something burning may indicate a serious issue like a burned-out motor. And a rotten egg smell is the most worrisome because it can point to a gas leak. In this case, turn off your HVAC system, exit the building and get into the fresh air. Once you’re outside and safe, reach out to the fire department for assistance.

There’s a Large Jump in Power or Gas Bills

If your electricity or gas bill suddenly spikes but you haven’t changed your usage habits, your HVAC system might be running more than usual to maintain the desired indoor temperature. This typically takes place as parts deteriorate and the system can’t operate as efficiently. You can slow this process by maintaining your system regularly with routine HVAC maintenance.

Your Home Is Too Humid

An HVAC system that functions properly will regulate indoor humidity in addition to controlling the temperature. If your home feels unusually humid or you observe condensation on the windows, your system might not be dehumidifying your property properly. Overly damp conditions indoors can be unpleasant, promote mold growth, warp wood furnishings and even damage electronics. Common causes include restricted air movement, clogged cooling components or an improperly sized HVAC system.

Leaks or Water Around Your HVAC Unit

Noticing water leaks around your HVAC unit is a sign you could have leaking cooling fluid or an obstructed drain line. A refrigerant leak decreases cooling power and might result in ice on the evaporator coil, which creates a pool of water when the ice thaws. Similarly, a clogged drain line causes water damage if not promptly fixed.

How to Make the Right Choice Between Repair or Replacement

If you be a sign that your HVAC system needs some TLC, but how can you determine if a repair or replacement is best? Here are some considerations to help you make a choice as to what’s best for your home:

• Your HVAC equipment is getting older: Most HVAC systems last 10 to 15 years with regular maintenance. If your unit is reaching or has exceeded this age, it might be running on borrowed time. Older systems may be less energy efficient and more expensive to repair due to obsolete parts, so think about upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model to save on utility bills and pay for fewer future repairs.

• The HVAC system in your home breaks down frequently: If you’re frequently arranging heating or air repair, the costs can add up quickly. Eventually, you’ll need to stop putting money into a lost cause and swap out your troublesome system with a new, energy-efficient one.

• Repair costs are accumulating: If a single repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, replacing it with a new one is usually the smarter investment, especially if the system is past its prime.

• Your heating and cooling system just can’t keep your home comfortable anymore: A system that has consistently failed to keep your home comfortable may be too small, oversized or improperly configured. A well-chosen new HVAC unit provides better climate control and boosts indoor air quality.

Contact Environmental Systems Associates for Local Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing in

The team at Environmental Systems Associates is committed to providing comfort with every visit. Our certified, well-trained HVAC technicians ensure reliable solutions backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied with our service, we’ll work to resolve the problem.

 Call 410-645-0966 today to schedule your next HVAC repair or replacement in with Environmental Systems Associates!