Signs Your HVAC Needs Repair

It’s critical that your HVAC system keeps your home comfortable, regulates humidity and enhances indoor air quality. But like any appliance, it may show signs of trouble when it’s starting to fail. Disregarding these signs can cause an emergency breakdown at the worst possible time, which can result in costly repairs. To avoid being taken by surprise, contact a technician from Olympic Aire for guidance if you detect any of these signs your HVAC system needs attention.

Your HVAC System Is Producing Lukewarm Air

If your heating or cooling system fails to generate warm air in the winter or cool air in the summer, there’s a good chance it’s not functioning properly. Warm air from an air conditioner could be a sign there is insufficient coolant, a clogged condenser unit or compressor issues. Meanwhile, cool air from your furnace might suggest faulty ignition components, the furnace needs more fuel or a defective blower motor.

The Furnace or Air Conditioning Short Cycles

Does your furnace or air conditioner frequently turn on and off before finishing a complete cycle? Commonly called short cycling, this problem strains your system and reduce efficiency. Sometimes, a defective thermostat will incorrectly read the room temperature and cause the HVAC system turning on and off unnecessarily. A clogged air filter also could be another cause, because this can restrict airflow and cause the unit to turn off to prevent damage.

Odd Noises Coming from Your HVAC

An HVAC system produces some noise while it’s operating, but any sounds you don’t recognize are usually red flags. Rattling noises could indicate parts came loose, while banging sounds can indicate a broken or detached component. Whirring or grating sounds could indicate motor issues, especially if parts are breaking or no longer working properly. Odd noises seldom fix themselves, so a repair is required before things deteriorate more.

Nasty Smells Coming from Your Heating or Cooling System

It’s never pleasant when your HVAC system emits a bad smell, but it might also be dangerous. A damp scent might indicate mold is growing within the ducts or the unit itself. If you smell smoke, it could point to a serious issue like an overheated motor. And a sulfuric odor is the most worrisome because it can indicate a gas leak. In this case, turn off your HVAC system, leave the premises and get into the fresh air. Once you’re outside and safe, reach out to the fire department for assistance.

Your Home Heating or Cooling Bills Skyrocket

If your utility costs increase dramatically but you haven’t modified your usage habits, your HVAC system might be operating excessively to keep the living space cozy. This often happens as parts wear out and the system doesn’t function efficiently. You can delay this decline by maintaining your system regularly with routine HVAC maintenance.

The Air in Your Home Is Extremely Humid

A heating and cooling system that works like it should will manage indoor humidity in addition to controlling the temperature. If your home feels unusually humid or you notice condensation on the windows, your system might not be dehumidifying your property properly. Excessive moisture in the air can feel unpleasant, encourage mold growth, wreck havoc on your wood furnishings and even negatively affect your electronics. Common causes include poor airflow, dirty cooling coils or an improperly sized HVAC system.

Leaks or Water Around Your HVAC Unit

Finding a puddle around your HVAC unit is a sign you might be dealing with leaking cooling fluid or a blocked drain line. A refrigerant leak saps your unit’s cooling power and may cause the evaporator coil to freeze up, which creates a pool of water when the ice thaws. Similarly, a clogged drain line results in water damage if left unaddressed.

How to Know When You Need HVAC Repair or Replacement

If you suggest that your HVAC system needs some TLC, but how can you determine if a repair or replacement is best? Here are some considerations to help you make a choice as to what’s best for your home:

• Your HVAC equipment is getting older: Most HVAC systems are good for 10 to 15 years with routine upkeep. If your unit is approaching or has gone beyond this age, it could be running on borrowed time. Older systems are less efficient and more expensive to repair due to obsolete parts, so think about upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model to reduce utility bills and pay for fewer future repairs.

• The HVAC system in your home often malfunctions: If you’re frequently arranging heating or air repair, the costs can add up quickly. At some point you’ll need to stop putting money into a lost cause and upgrade your problematic, old system with a new, energy-efficient one.

• Repair costs are adding up: If HVAC repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, HVAC installation is generally the more prudent investment, especially if the system is past its prime.

• Your heating and cooling system struggles to maintain your comfort: A system that has never really managed to keep your home comfortable may be undersized, too large or poorly designed. A well-chosen new HVAC unit offers better climate control and boosts indoor air quality.

Contact Olympic Aire for Top-Notch Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing in

The team at Olympic Aire is dedicated to providing comfort with every visit. Our qualified, skilled HVAC technicians deliver reliable solutions backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied with our service, we’ll work to correct the issue.

 Call 301-327-0838 today to book your next HVAC repair or replacement in with Olympic Aire!