The comfort of your home relies upon your HVAC system. If the HVAC system goes down, you will be left battling extreme humidity and high temperatures. Finding time to service and maintain your unit frequently for maximum efficiency is best. Most people fail to do the basic maintenance until a problem or breakdown has occurred.
Although you might consider yourself pretty handy around your house, some issues require professional help. You could replace a pipe in your kitchen and build your shed, but you’d better contact the experts regarding some problems related to your HVAC system.
When you notice any of the following issues, then it is time to call experts, like the professionals from DM Select Services or other reliable contractors in your area.
1) Not Producing Heated Or Cooled Air
If your system is not producing cooled or heated air, it might seem evident that repairs are needed. You can test it yourself by turning the system on and standing under the vents. The room’s temperature should change with time; if some parts have insufficient cold or warm air, your unit may have an issue.
The refrigerator line could leak, have faulty electrical connections, or have a malfunctioning compressor. Whichever the case, you need a professional HVAC expert for assessment and repairs.
2) Insufficient Airflow
If your HVAC system produces insufficient air, there might be a blockage preventing the smooth flow of air in the ducts. It could be a clogged air filter, a broken motor, or something more severe that could lead to worse problems. It could also be a blown circuit or compressor, but before you call an HVAC specialist, check the filter to ensure it is clean. If the filter is clean, an HVAC professional will inspect your ducts for blockages.
3) Strange Sounds From The Unit
It is not a good sign when you hear bangs and clangs when the system turns on or off. These sounds could be squealing, grinding, squeaking, and other weird noises. If this happens to your system, it is best to call an HVAC expert immediately.
Even if your system is still working correctly, there is still the need to have it checked. The technician can save your system with a simple fix, such as tightening a loose component before the whole unit stops working.
4) Frequent Cycling
If you notice the furnace or air conditioner turning on and off frequently or the outdoor unit behaving the same, there is definitely a problem. Although it is normal for the system to cycle often in extremely cold or hot weather, it should not behave like this on a typical day.
The reason why this is happening might be because your unit is old and probably about to require replacement. You can call a reliable HVAC technician to come and tune up the system with regular maintenance to extend its life.
5) Foul Odours From The Unit
When you notice unpleasant or unusual odours coming from your system, then that is an indication that there’s an issue. Foul odours could signify multiple problems, but the most common is possible damage to the electrical wiring. If the air from the unit is musty, the issue could be mildew or mould. In such a case, you need to call HVAC specialists to come and clean your system and uncover the underlying problem.
6) High Humidity Levels
A properly working HVAC system is supposed to regulate the humidity levels in your home. If it does not keep the moisture levels at a comfortable range, you need to call for repairs. A technician will swiftly diagnose the problem and inform you whether your unit requires re-calibration or you need to install a humidifier for your whole house.
7) A Leaking Or Frozen Unit
If there is freezing, leaking, or puddling near your unit, it might be from a blockage in the condensation line. The excess water can collect in or near your HVAC system. The condensation line removes condensation that might freeze on the coils causing a leak that might puddle on the ground. If you notice this issue, call a technician before it gets more damaged and may cost you more in the long run.
8) Higher Energy Costs
If you are running your HVAC system normally and noticing higher electricity bills, something might be wrong with your unit. It indicates that your unit isn’t running efficiently and has to compensate when trying to heat or cool your home. This situation might cause your energy bills to increase significantly.
It is best to contact an expert as soon as possible so that a proper assessment can be done to change the situation. You need to call the professionals to come and check why your unit has to work harder than it usually should.
9) An Aged HVAC Unit
Typically, an HVAC unit lasts for 15 to 20 years on average. If you check your unit and notice that it is approaching that age, then that could be why it is not providing optimum performance. During this time, your system might require repairs from time to time. It would be best for you to start making plans for a replacement. If you have a home warranty, you might get a replacement at a relatively low price.
10) Misfitting Unit
The size of the HVAC unit you install in your home must match the space’s square footage. However, sometimes this is only considered when installing the unit. If you consult a technician, they will let you know if your unit is too small or too big for your home. The right unit size ensures comfort in your home, and the energy costs will not increase significantly.
Conclusion
While knowing the signs of a problem is good, you can immediately contact an HVAC expert. Your unit requires regular service and maintenance to prevent serious issues from occurring. Hiring the right company for the job is vital to avoid expensive repairs or entire system replacements. Getting replacements while your warranties are still in place will be less expensive.