Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home cozy all year long, but even the most trustworthy systems encounter issues periodically. Catch these problems early to help avoid expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement. Here are 10 signs that you should schedule HVAC repair without delay.
1: Rising Monthly Bills
An unexplained increase in energy costs without a corresponding shift in usage strongly indicates that your HVAC system is not running optimally. Common culprits include old equipment, leaky air ducts or dirty coils, forcing the HVAC system to work longer and harder to reach your preferred temperature. Higher energy bills are often a primary sign your system needs repair, so it’s crucial to be mindful of unexplained cost increases.
2: Loud or Annoying Noises
Your HVAC system should operate without making too much noise, but once you begin to hear unfamiliar squealing sounds, it may be because something’s wrong. Such sounds often suggest faulty parts, deteriorated belts or a malfunctioning motor. Neglecting these sounds can lead to more severe damage, so try to reach out to a professional for
furnace or
AC repair as soon as you notice them.
3: Foul Smells
When your HVAC system begins producing odd odors, it’s time to find out why. Musty smells are a sign of mold in your ductwork or HVAC system, while burnt odors suggest electrical damage or the failure of certain components. These odors prevent your home from smelling clean, and in severe cases could even impact your health. A local HVAC technician can diagnose and repair the issue to restore clean-smelling operation.
4: Poor Airflow
If the air circulation coming from the air ducts feels weak or uneven, several potential issues could be to blame. The system’s air filter may be clogged, part of the ductwork may be damaged or the circulation motor may be failing. Not only can weaker airflow make your home less comfortable, it also forces your system to operate less effectively, leading to higher energy bills and additional wear and tear.
5: Lukewarm Air
Sometimes the airflow is sufficient, but the temperature is unusually mild compared to the settings. When using your air conditioner, room-temperature “cooling” often points to insufficient coolant or a malfunctioning compressor. On the heating side, cooler air may be caused by a defective ignition system or issues with the flame sensor. Finding the root problem is the only way to recover home comfort.
6: Inconsistent Temperatures
When one room feels like a sauna while another is more like your refrigerator, it’s usually because the HVAC system is unable to circulate air evenly. This issue could stem from issues with your ductwork, a faulty thermostat or even the system itself becoming less efficient. Irregular temperatures will obviously negatively impact comfort and can also drive up energy costs and force you to schedule repairs.
7: Excessive Starting and Stopping
Your HVAC system should have regular on-and-off cycles. If it constantly shuts off shortly after just powering on, the system is not functioning how it should. This specific malfunction, known as short cycling, is often caused by thermostat problems, an obstructed air filter or a poorly sized system. Correcting this problem earlier stops wear and tear that could lead to a premature
HVAC replacement.
8: Humidity Problems
Your HVAC system plays a major role in maintaining
indoor humidity levels. If you notice unusually excessive humidity or dryness, the HVAC system may not be working properly. High humidity levels are difficult to live with and can lead to mold growth, while reduced humidity leads to itchy skin and nasal irritation. Problems like a broken compressor or a blocked drain line may hinder your system from balancing humidity as it should. Thankfully, these situations are easily addressed.
9: Water Leaks Nearby
Water pooling near your HVAC system is a known sign of trouble. This could be caused by a clogged condensate drain line, which keeps moisture from flowing properly, or ice forming on the refrigerant coils and slowly breaking down. No matter the cause, call a professional to address leaks as soon as you see them to stop property damage and escalating issues.
10: A Faulty Thermostat
Is your HVAC system not operating 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 connection to the HVAC system, these concerns cause lack of efficiency and comfort issues.
Arrange for HVAC Repair
If your heating system or air conditioning is exhibiting any of these signs, contact Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts. Our qualified technicians are ready to provide prompt, lasting solutions for all your home comfort concerns. We stand behind our service with a
100% satisfaction guarantee because your comfort is and always will be our number one priority.
Contact us today to book an inspection and maintain total home comfort all year-round.
