Have you been having issues with your heating and cooling lately? It may be time for a checkup if you are noticing these signs. HVAC systems, like other electric equipment, need regular maintenance from time to time.
A malfunctioning HVAC system doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to spend thousands of dollars on a new one. Most of the time, a malfunctioning system just needs a little help from a professional. Don’t wait until small issues spiral out of control; watch out for these five signs to know when your system needs attention.
1. Poor Performance
This is often the first sign of trouble that homeowners notice. When your HVAC system won’t heat up or cool your home as fast as it used to (or maybe won’t turn on at all), you’ll start to feel the effects very quickly. The trouble is that improper heating or cooling is a symptom that can be caused by many different things.
The culprit might be clogged or leaky ducts, a malfunctioning furnace, a faulty compressor or blower motor, or any number of other issues. In any case, this is a sure sign that your system should be checked out by a professional; only they will be able to trace the problem back to its source and correct it properly.
2. Persistent Noises
You know that something is wrong with your heating system or air conditioning system the moment you start hearing irritating noises whenever you turn it on. Whether it’s squeaking, grinding, rattling or crunching, the sudden onset of strange noises is a sign that your furnace or air conditioner isn’t working properly.
3. High Energy Bills
Have you noticed a hike in your recent energy bills even though you haven’t changed your consumption habits? This could be a warning sign that something’s wrong with your heating and cooling systems. Usually, excessive power consumption means that the system isn’t performing optimally and is being forced to draw extra power to continue to run optimally. This may translate to higher than normal energy bills. If you notice a significant increase, it’s time to call an HVAC company like Airco and get your system inspected by a professional.
4. Unpleasant Odors
A furnace that’s functioning properly shouldn’t release any smells. If you start smelling smoke, burning fuel, gas smells, or something else out of the norm, there is a chance that your HVAC system may have developed some issues. The cause of the smell can be anything from dust in your unit to something serious like a gas leak.
Whenever you smell an unpleasant odor coming from your HVAC, turn off the furnace immediately – your safety may be at stake. Then call an HVAC specialist to have it checked out and repaired as necessary.
5. Your HVAC System Is Very Old
Like any piece of machinery, heating and cooling systems and units don’t last forever. Most can keep going for an average of 15 to 20 years. Beyond that, you can expect to see a noticeable decline in performance until the system gives out altogether. If you’re using an older unit or system, there may be nothing that can be done for it except to replace it. However, that’s a call for the experts to make, so don’t give up hope until you’ve had a technician examine it!
For Best Results, Heed the Red Flags
Don’t let a simple problem with your HVAC systems get out of hand. Watch for warning signs and contact a professional to have your unit checked before it becomes a bigger problem. Airco Service’s experienced technicians provide expert HVAC diagnostics and repair; give us a call when noticing these signs and you can be sure that your system will be running smoothly again in no time.
Is My Home Poorly Wired?