Your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is one of the things in your home that you can easily take for granted until it stops working as it should. Homeowners need to recognize the signs pointing to a potential problem with the HVAC system in their home so that it can be addressed quickly to avoid costly repairs if left unattended. Maintenance involves regularly checking your HVAC system by a licensed HVAC technician to ensure its proper functioning.
Significant Signs That Your HVAC System Needs Repairs:
When maintenance falls down the wayside, parts and components may start breaking down and need to be repaired and, in some instances, replaced.
1. Inconsistent airflow
You would suspect an airflow issue is present when you feel hot and cold spots in different areas of the home. You would also suspect it when you put your hand over the vents and think the air is weak or not blowing out. Poor airflow also creates air drafts; you will notice doors shutting independently. Air flow should be uniform and not be affected at all by changes in temperature. An airflow problem is frequently caused by a clogged filter, especially if the HVAC system hasn’t had some maintenance in a while. Other causes of inconsistent or poor air flow are air duct problems such as blockage or leaks, dirty coils, faulty thermostats, inappropriately sized HVAC units and/or ductwork, malfunctioning blowers, or insufficient return air vents.
2. Strange odors
The most common causes of unusual smells from your HVAC unit are accumulated dirt, debris, bacteria, or mold. Your HVAC system naturally wouldn’t have any smells at all. Usually, the type of smell will point you to the cause. If it is a burnt electrical smell, your system might be overheating. If there is a musty smell, increased moisture in the system has invited mold formation. A burnt smell other than electrical indicates a possible faulty motor.
3. AC Does Not Blow Cold
If you are running your air conditioner, you rightfully expect it to blow cool air. It is a typical sign that your HVAC needs repairs if it doesn’t. It may be just a simple part replacement, usually a damaged compressor or inadequate refrigerant amount.
4. Presence of Leaks
Do you notice puddles of water around your HVAC unit? This usually indicates an internal problem. It may be the evaporator coil (which also functions as a dehumidifier), the condensation pump, a drain tube problem, or a refrigerant leak.
5. Unfamiliar Sounds and Odd Noises
The HVAC unit should run smoothly with hardly any distracting background noise. As the unit is turned on, a noticeable sound that is not something you usually hear would indicate an underlying serious problem. The kind of sound it makes would most likely tell you where the problem lies. A rattling sound may be caused by debris along the line or a part of the unit that has gotten loose. A squealing sound is likely because of a belt in the motor or blower that has come out of alignment. If you hear a humming sound, it may be caused by a faulty capacitor or motor.
What Can You Do Before Calling in an Expert?
Even though one may be highly skilled at do-it-yourself projects, it takes a specific know-how to navigate the intricate HVAC system when dealing with problems that come up with it. However, you can take these things into account:
For general upkeep of the HVAC system, periodic inspections and annual maintenance are recommended. An HVAC system has an average life span of 15-25 years, with maintenance.
Maintenance Tasks That the Homeowner Can Do:
1. Changing filters regularly,
2. Keeping the area around the HVAC clean and clear of dirt and debris
3. Being vigilant concerning irregularities with your HVAC system.
Factors to Consider When Repairing an A/C
- the age of the unit
- efficiency of the unit
- how extensive the damage is
- size of your home
- cost of replacement parts
- the benefits of repairs over the replacement of parts or the unit
- your budget
Because of the complexity of problems that may be involved with your HVAC system brought about by parts and components that are primarily interconnected, repairs should be handled by experts. Trained HVAC technicians at Five Star Home Services have the experience and knowledge to handle these issues. Knowing the signs to watch out for, especially if you think you will need repairs, will give you the confidence to be alert about potential problems. Count on Five Star Home Services to have a licensed HVAC technician who will evaluate the extent of repairs or even the replacement of parts or the entire unit. Call now at (833) 405-8009 if you have any questions.