Signs Your HVAC Needs Repair

It’s crucial that your HVAC system makes sure your home is cozy, regulates humidity and improves indoor air quality. But like any mechanical device, it may exhibit signs of trouble when it’s starting to fail. Overlooking these signs can cause an emergency breakdown at the worst possible time, requiring costly repairs. To prevent being caught off-guard, reach out to a technician from McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling for advice if you observe any of these signs your HVAC system needs attention.

Your HVAC System Barely Heats or Cools the Air

If your HVAC system isn’t able to produce warm air in the winter or cool air in the summer, there’s a high likelihood it’s having issues. Warm air from an air conditioner may be a sign of low refrigerant, a obstructed condenser unit or problems with the compressor. Meanwhile, cool air from your furnace may point to issues with the ignition system, the unit doesn’t have enough fuel or a malfunctioning blower motor.

The Furnace or Air Conditioning Frequently Turns Off and On

Does your HVAC system frequently power up and shut down before finishing a complete cycle? Known as short cycling, this issue can overwork your system and reduce efficiency. Sometimes, a faulty thermostat will incorrectly read the room temperature and lead to the HVAC system cycling unnecessarily. A clogged air filter also may be another cause, because this can restrict airflow and force a shutdown to prevent damage.

Odd Noises Coming from Your HVAC

An HVAC system generates some noise while it’s working, but any sounds you don’t recognize are usually warning signs. Loud banging might mean parts have become dislodged, while loud knocking can point to a damaged or disconnected component. Buzzing or grinding noises could indicate motor issues, especially if parts are wearing out or malfunctioning. Odd noises seldom fix themselves, so a repair is necessary before things deteriorate more.

Unpleasant Odors Coming from Your HVAC

It’s always concerning when your HVAC system produces a bad smell, but it also may be dangerous. A damp scent could mean mold is developing within the ducts or the unit itself. The smell of something burning could point to a serious issue like an overheated motor. And a rotten egg smell is the most worrisome because it can be a sign of a gas leak. In this case, turn off your HVAC system, leave the premises and get into the fresh air. Once you’re outside and safe, reach out to the fire department for immediate support.

Abnormally High Utility Bills

If your electricity or gas bill suddenly spikes but you haven’t changed your usage habits, your HVAC system may be working overtime to keep your home comfortable. This frequently occurs as parts deteriorate and the system doesn’t function efficiently. You can mitigate this issue by maintaining your system regularly with tune-ups.

There’s Excess Humidity in Your Home

An HVAC system that functions properly will regulate indoor humidity in addition to controlling the temperature. If your home seems excessively moist or you observe condensation on the windows, your system might not be dehumidifying your property properly. High indoor humidity is uncomfortable, encourage mold growth, wreck havoc on your wood furnishings and even harm electronics. Common causes include restricted air movement, contaminated evaporator coils or an improperly sized HVAC system.

Leaks or Water Around Your HVAC Unit

Finding a puddle around your HVAC unit is a sign you may be experiencing a refrigerant leak or an obstructed drain line. A refrigerant leak saps your unit’s cooling power and may cause the evaporator coil to freeze up, which creates moisture buildup when the ice thaws. Similarly, a clogged drain line causes water damage if not promptly fixed.

How to Choose Between HVAC Repair or Replacement

If you suggest that your HVAC system requires attention, but how can you decide if a repair or replacement is best? Here are some considerations to help you decide what’s best for your home:

• Your HVAC equipment is getting older: Most HVAC systems last 10 to 15 years with routine upkeep. If your unit is nearing or has passed this age, it may be running on borrowed time. Older systems are less efficient and more expensive to repair due to obsolete parts, so contemplate upgrading to a up-to-date, energy-efficient model to save on utility bills and pay for fewer future repairs.

• The HVAC system in your home often malfunctions: If you’re constantly scheduling heating or air repair, the costs can really add up. At some point you’ll need to stop throwing good money at it and swap out your finicky 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, HVAC installation is typically the more prudent investment, especially if the system is past its prime.

• Your heating and cooling system struggles to maintain your comfort: A system that has never really managed to keep your home comfortable may be undersized, oversized or poorly designed. A well-chosen new HVAC unit provides better climate control and boosts indoor air quality.

Contact McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling for Expert Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing in

The team at McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling is committed to providing comfort with every visit. Our certified, well-trained HVAC technicians deliver reliable solutions backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with our service, we’ll work to make it right.

 Call 610-735-2185 today to schedule your next HVAC repair or replacement in with McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling!