The majority of the time, a heating or cooling system works without difficulty and keeps you comfortable in your home. However, no system is without its faults, and it is possible for the heating or cooling system to stop working without prior warning. In many cases, the system will provide certain warning signs showing a need for repair or replacement. This article will provide information on the top 10 signs you need heating and cooling repairs to your HVAC system.
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Sign #1: There Is An Increase In Your Energy Bill
In many cases when a person experiences an increased energy bill amount, they will put it down to the heating or cooling system having to deal with extreme weather temperatures. In most instances, this would be the case; however, there are situations where extreme temperature has nothing to do with the increased cost. If you begin to notice a trend of increasing energy bill amounts despite the normal temperature, then you may be experiencing an efficiency problem with your energy system. The heating system may be broken or dirty, and it could be worthwhile to contact a professional for heating and cooling repairs and possibly new refrigerants for cooling.
Sign #2: Increased Noise From The System
Similar to a car or any other piece of equipment, strange noises emitted from the HVAC system can signal a problem that lead to a need for repair. For example, the noises could include “clunking” or “squeaking” when the system is turned on and off or running for longer periods of time. If this is the case, it is recommended that you investigate the issue or contact a professional to deal with the problem. Dealing with odd noises early on can reduce the chance of large repairs or need for system replacements.
Sign #3: A Yellow Flame In The Furnace Burner
The flame in a gas furnace is important for the efficient operation of the system, so it is vital that the flame is a “healthy” one. When checking this element, it is necessary for the flame to be blue in color. If, however, the flame is not blue and is yellow, then you may have a problem and need to shut down the furnace immediately. A yellow flame is indicative of carbon monoxide leakage, and carbon monoxide is a dangerous chemical that can cause damage to residents in the property. In this situation, shut the furnace off, ventilate the house, and contact a professional for an emergency repair.
Sign #4: An Unpleasant Odor
Do you know the smell of dirty socks? Try to imagine the smell of a person’s socks when they have not changed them for several weeks. If your HVAC system begins to give off this terrible odor, then you may require heating and cooling repairs. Bad smells are typically due to broken or dirty elements within the air conditioning system, and only repairs can help eliminate the smell. By contacting a professional technician, you can avoid dealing with the horrible odor and have it removed as soon as possible.
Sign #5: Different Rooms Have Different Temperatures
If you find that different rooms in the house have different temperatures, it may be due to a damaged air conditioning system. It is true that some houses have different room temperatures because of the placement of rooms, but an east-facing room needs to heat up and cool down. If a room is different to another and remains at the same temperature throughout the day and night, then you may have a problem with your heating system. In many cases, changes in the ductwork and modification in the thermostat technology can make a big difference.
Sign #6: Increased Signs Of Humidity
No person enjoys dealing with humidity, but when a HVAC system is damaged there is a chance you will have to suck it up! While the furnace or air conditioning system may be operating correctly, many of the humidity-related issues can be fixed with basic repairs. For example, you can insulate the pipes or improve sealing on ductwork. Air cleaning systems with humidifiers can also be added to the systems to make the home more comfortable to live in.
Sign #7: An Increased Amount Of Dust
Air cleaners and filtration systems help with humidity, but also reduce the amount of dust in the air. A sign that the system requires some maintenance or repairs is an increase of dust in the home. Some people ignore the issue assuming the accumulation of dust is from outside, but if you find an abnormal amount of dust being experienced then you may need to contact a professional HVAC repair technician.
Sign #8: There Is No Cold Air Being Released
When a heating and cooling system is damaged, reduced air flow will be experienced throughout the house. While this can seem like a simple issue, it can be detrimental during warm days when you need cool air to circulate throughout the house. A lack of cold air circulation can be easy to fix including changing air filters, repairing the duct, or cleaning blowers in the system. Professional technicians can easily help repair this issue when contacted.
Sign #9: Improper Installation
If the HVAC unit is installed by a person without professional training, or a professional who chooses to cut corners, it is possible that the system could be faulty. Effective and efficient systems require exact measurements before any electrical installation can be made. If your system was improperly installed, it is possible that you will require heating and cooling repairs at some point.
Sign #10: An Improper Size
Many people attempt to save money by installing units that are inappropriate sizes for their properties. To avoid spending too much, people will opt for smaller units and these are not powerful enough to heat or cool the property’s rooms correctly. If you plan on renovating or adding rooms to the house, it is recommended that you opt for a unit that is the correct size for the building.
As can be seen, a heating and cooling system is vital to ensure comfort in your home. By using the above information, you can determine the signs of a faulty system and when to contact a professional for heating and cooling repairs.