10 Warning Signs Your Heating and Cooling Needs Repair

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Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home livable in every season, but even the most trustworthy systems encounter issues periodically. Detect these problems early to reduce the risk of expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement. Here are 10 signs that you should schedule HVAC repair without delay.

1 – Unusual Noises

Your HVAC system should hum along without making too much noise, but if you are noticing odd squealing sounds, it’s likely something’s wrong. Loud and annoying noises often signal loose parts, deteriorated belts or a broken motor. Overlooking these sounds could lead to more severe damage, so try to contact a professional for furnace or AC repair as soon as you hear them.

2 – Poor Airflow

If the airflow coming from the ventilation feels weaker or uneven, a few potential issues might be to blame. The air filter may be blocked, part of the ventilation may be leaking or the blower motor may be breaking down. Not only will weaker airflow make your home heating and cooling less efficient, it also forces your system to exert more effort, leading to higher energy bills and accelerated wear and tear.

3 – Changing Temperatures

When one part of the house feels like an oven while another feels like a freezer, you can bet your HVAC system is struggling to regulate the flow of air evenly. This issue could stem from issues with your ductwork, a faulty thermostat or even the system itself wearing out. Inconsistent temperatures will obviously reduce comfort and can also increase energy costs and need repairs.

4 – Weird Smells

When your HVAC system begins producing unpleasant odors, it’s time to find out why. Damp smells suggest mold in your ductwork or HVAC system, while burning/waxy odors indicate electrical damage or overheating components. These odors prevent your home from smelling inviting, and in severe cases could even harm your health. A professional HVAC technician can identify and correct the issue to restore no-smell operation.

5 – Rising Heating and Cooling Bills

An abrupt increase in energy costs without a similar shift in usage is a sign that your HVAC system is not running optimally. Common causes include outdated equipment, leaks in the air ducts or dirty coils, forcing the HVAC to work much harder than normal to reach your set temperature. Jumping energy bills are often among the first signs your system needs repair, so it’s vital to be mindful of unexplained cost increases.

6 – A Broken Thermostat

Is your HVAC system not responding correctly to your thermostat inputs? For instance, the system may not activate when you set the temperature, or it may frequently misinterpret commands. Whether the issue stems from the thermostat itself or its relationship with the HVAC system, these problems cause lack of efficiency and temperature control problems.

7 – Water Is Leaking Nearby

Water pooling near your HVAC system is a known sign of trouble. This could be caused by a clogged condensate drain line, which stops moisture from flowing properly, or ice forming on the evaporator coils and slowly thawing. No matter the cause, call a professional to patch up any leaks as soon as you find them to avoid property damage and growing issues.

8 – Humidity Imbalance

Your HVAC system plays a major role in managing indoor humidity levels. If you notice unusually elevated humidity or dryness, something in the system may not be working properly. Increased humidity levels are often gross and can promote mold growth, while lower humidity leads to cracked skin and nasal irritation. Concerns like a defective compressor or a blocked drain line may prevent your system from managing humidity properly. Luckily, these situations are fixable.

9 – Excessive Heating or Cooling Cycles

Your HVAC system should have normal on-and-off cycles. If it frequently shuts off shortly after just beginning a cycle, the system is not running how it should. This common problem, known as short cycling, is usually caused by a faulty thermostat, a blocked air filter or a poorly sized system. Addressing this problem early limits wear and tear that could cause a premature HVAC replacement.

10 – Air Isn’t the Right Temperature

Maybe the airflow is strong, but the temperature is way off compared to the settings. When using your air conditioner, room-temperature “cooling” often points to a refrigerant leak or a failing compressor. On the heating side, cool air may come from a faulty ignition system or issues with the ignition system. Identifying the fundamental problem is the only way to bring back home comfort.

Get Certified HVAC Repair from Olympic Aire

If your furnace or air conditioning is displaying any of these signs, contact Olympic Aire. Our trained technicians are ready to provide quick, long-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 main priority. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and maintain total home comfort all year long.