A properly working HVAC system is essential for your family’s health and comfort. However, HVAC issues are likely to occur at the most inconvenient time. During a sweltering day, a faulty or old air conditioner is often pushed to function beyond its capability.
HVAC issues can easily be handled with regular maintenance and repair. You can minimize or avoid costly HVAC repair services by being proactive. Here are several signs which indicate that you need an HVAC system repair.
1. Water Leaks from Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system relies on refrigerant to cool your home, and liquid condensation can occur as it runs. However, these liquids should not build up or leak into your home. Small pools of water or a continuous leak around your air conditioner is an obvious sign that your HVAC system is not running correctly.
A leaking refrigerant is not something to neglect as it can lead to health issues. Exposure to a refrigerant in your home or workplace can cause dizziness, loss of concentration, skin rashes, or abnormal heart rhythm in people with heart issues.
Leaks in your home can also cause damage to your home and may even lead to significant structural problems. Call an air conditioner service technician to check your HVAC system immediately if you notice any leakage issues.
2. A Weird Odor from Your HVAC System
Another telltale sign that your HVAC needs professional repair is a weird smell from your vents when running. A pungent odor might indicate an issue with your system’s insulation, while a musty smell may indicate mold in your HVAC unit. Mold in your HVAC system can be a huge risk to you and anyone living in your home, including pets. Its exposure can lead to respiratory issues, including asthma attacks, coughing, and runny nose.
Call an HVAC technician immediately if you notice a strange smell from your system to protect your family’s health. A technician has the necessary skill to properly clean the HVAC unit to allow you to breathe fresh air again. In addition, they will check other components, including refrigerant levels, the thermostat, and motors, as they clean your unit.
3. Increasing Utility Bills
Escalating utility bills might be an indicator that there is a problem with your HVAC unit. Faulty air ducts in your home can cause your HVAC unit to work harder to cool air, which may make it consume more power. Unfortunately, more power consumption translates to higher utility bills at the end of the month. Call an HVAC contractor or your home warranty company to have your HVAC system repaired to avoid paying costly electricity bills.
4. Strange Noises from Your HVAC System
It’s normal for an HVAC system to make noise as it runs, but some sounds are a call for concern. For instance, a clicking sound from the outdoor system indicates there is an electrical fault or something is obstructing the fan. Ensure you turn off the system before trying to remove the obstructing object.
On the other hand, screeching sounds from metal parts could indicate worn-out bearings on the fan motor. This will need fan repair or replacement. In addition, a faulty fan belt can cause a squealing sound, which can be very aggravating, especially during quarantine. Even if your system seems to run correctly, call an HVAC repair professional when you notice any weird noises.
5. Warm Air Blowing Out of Vents
Cool air offers comfort for everyone in the house, particularly during the hottest days of the summer. A lack of or inadequate cool air in your home indicates something is wrong with your HVAC system. The most common culprits for this are blocked or clogged return vents, clogged air filters, or dirty condenser coils. Low Freon levels, a faulty thermostat, or a damaged compressor also can affect your HVAC’s cooling ability. You can fix these problems on your own, but it’s good to call an HVAC technician when the warm air issue doesn’t resolve after fixing these things.
6. Sudden Increase of Dust in Your Home
A sudden dust increase in your living rooms could indicate dirt accumulation in your HVAC system. Dust accumulation in your home can eventually turn your home completely dusty. Hire an HVAC repair professional to help get rid of dust issues. Having your HVAC system cleaned regularly can also help boost air quality by keeping your home dust-free.
7. Poor Airflow
Weak airflow is a telltale sign that your HVAC system isn’t functioning efficiently, or there is a barrier blocking air from moving through your home’s ductwork. A damaged motor or clogged air filter is usually the cause of this issue.
Insufficient airflow in your home can be frustrating, so investing in an energy-recovery ventilator can be a good idea. This can boost the cooling ability of your HVAC system by replacing dry air with fresh air every time your system cycles. Zoning systems can also be beneficial to your HVAC unit. They can ensure you are getting sufficient airflow and cooling power when you need it most.
8. Frequent Cycles
Whether it’s cold or hot, your air conditioner should go through relatively regular cooling cycles. Although you can expect your HVAC system to turn on more frequently on hot summer days, it should not cycle on and off continuously. Call an HVAC repair expert if your system keeps going on and off. A quick HVAC repair can resolve frequent cycling, but it’s also a sign that you need a new air conditioner.
9. Your Air Conditioner Is 10 Years or Older
The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 10 to 15 years, though some can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance practices. If your air conditioner is approaching this age, it could deteriorate due to normal wear and tear. You can keep calling a technician for repair or consider replacing your HVAC system with a modern and energy-efficient model. Luckily, if you have a home warranty, you can replace your HVAC system at a lower cost if it fails from old age or normal wear and tear.
Endnote
HVAC units can sometimes malfunction, just like any other machine. Repairing your system as soon as possible can help prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, saving you from expensive repairs in the long run. It might be time to call an HVAC repair professional if you notice any of these warning signs to bring your system back to peak performance.
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