10 Ways to Know Your HVAC System Needs Repair
Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home pleasant throughout the year, but even the most dependable systems encounter issues periodically. Spot these problems early to help avoid expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement. Here are 10 signs that you should arrange HVAC repair without delay.
1 – Loud or Annoying Noises
Your HVAC system should hum along fairly quietly, but once you start hearing unfamiliar squealing sounds, you know something’s wrong. Such sounds often signal faulty parts, damage to the belts or a broken motor. Ignoring these sounds may lead to additional damage, so you should contact a professional for furnace or AC repair once you become aware of them.
2 – Weaker Airflow
If the airflow coming from the air ducts feels like it’s gotten worse or spotty, a few potential issues might be to blame. The system’s air filter may be dirty, part of the ventilation may be damaged or the blower motor may be breaking down. Not only can weaker airflow make your home heating and cooling less efficient, it also forces your system to operate less effectively, leading to increased energy bills and extra wear and tear.
3 – Inconsistent Temperatures
When one part of the house feels like you’re in the furnace while another is more like your refrigerator, it’s likely your HVAC system is struggling to distribute air evenly. This issue could originate from leaky air ducts, a faulty thermostat or even the system itself wearing out. Irregular temperatures will obviously negatively impact comfort and can also drive up energy costs and need repairs.
4 – Strange Smells
When your HVAC system gives off unpleasant odors, it’s time to look into it. Stale smells suggest mold in your ductwork or HVAC system, while burning odors indicate electrical damage or overworked components. These odors prevent your home from smelling fresh, and in severe cases can even impact your health. A certified HVAC technician can assess and fix the issue to restore clean-smelling operation.
5 – Rising Heating and Cooling Bills
An abrupt surge in energy costs despite no similar increase in usage strongly indicates that your HVAC system is not running properly. Common causes include worn-out equipment, leaks in the air ducts or dirty coils, forcing your system to work much harder than normal to achieve your set temperature. Higher energy bills are often an early sign your system needs repair, so it’s important to watch for unexplained bill increases.
6 – A Malfunctioning Thermostat
Is your HVAC system not operating correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not start up when you adjust the temperature, or it may frequently ignore commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its communication with the HVAC system, these concerns cause suboptimal operation and comfort issues.
7 – Water Is Pooling Nearby
Water collecting around your HVAC system is a clear sign of a problem. This could be caused by an obstructed condensate drain line, which prevents moisture from draining properly, or ice forming on the evaporator coils and slowly melting. No matter the cause, get in touch with a professional to repair leaks as soon as you see them to prevent property damage and escalating issues.
8 – Humidity Problems
Your HVAC system plays a significant role in maintaining indoor humidity levels. If you detect unusually elevated humidity or dryness, the HVAC system may not be functioning properly. High humidity levels are often gross and can promote mold growth, while lower humidity leads to dry skin and nasal irritation. Problems like a broken compressor or a moldy drain line may prevent your system from balancing humidity correctly. Luckily, these situations are fixable.
9 – Excessive Heating or Cooling Cycles
Your HVAC system should have normal running cycles. If it often shuts off shortly after just powering on, the system is not performing how it needs to. This specific malfunction, known as short cycling, is often caused by a faulty thermostat, a blocked air filter or an over- or undersized system. Addressing this problem early stops wear and tear that could cause equally early HVAC replacement.
10 – Air Isn’t the Set Temperature
Sometimes the airflow is consistent, but the temperature is unusually mild compared to the settings. When using your air conditioner, milder “cooling” often points to low refrigerant or a failing compressor. And for the heating side, lukewarm air can be caused by a malfunctioning ignition system or issues with the ignition system. Identifying the root problem is the only way to recover home comfort.
Get Certified HVAC Repair from McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling
If your heating system or air conditioning is displaying any of these signs, reach out to McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling. Our trained technicians are ready to provide prompt, reliable solutions to all your home comfort concerns. We ensure a job well done with a 100% satisfaction guarantee because your comfort is and always will be our main priority. Contact us today to arrange an inspection and protect your sense of comfort all year long.