Your HVAC system is one of the most important parts of your home and helps keep it feeling comfortable year-round. It ensures you don’t get too cold in the winter, and aren’t overheating in the summer. While it would be good if this system worked flawlessly at all times, that isn’t the case. Regular maintenance and repairs are crucial, as issues and problems within the system can always arise.
Unfortunately, these don’t always make themselves abundantly obvious. Sometimes, it takes paying some attention to your HVAC system a little more closely to understand when it is time to bring in a professional. Here are some signs that it’s time for an AC Tune-Up or a furnace inspection from a qualified HVAC professional.
They Aren’t Working as Effectively as They Used to
If your furnace or air conditioner aren’t working as effectively as they used to, it could be a sign to have someone come check them out. This could mean they don’t have the same power, or simply don’t output the same amount of warm or cool air as they once did. You may notice this throughout the home, but it may also only impact a certain room or area.
It is best to get this dealt with as soon as you notice the weakened effectiveness, so you don’t have to go without heat or air on a day when you really need it. While you might not need a whole replacement, the expert will be able to help diagnose the problem, and offer some potential solutions to get your HVAC system back to where it needs to be.
Your Energy Bills Are Rising
The average bill for utilities in the USA is nearly $400 a month, and a large part of that is energy. While energy costs are generally consistent, if you begin to see yours skyrocket for no obvious reason, it could be a sign of problems.
If your costs are higher, that means your HVAC is running more than normal. This could be due to the system not being as effective as it once was, but could also be due to things blocking vents, or ductwork with gaps that let the air escape. Even something as simple as open windows, cracks in the walls, or drafts from doors that lead to these higher-than-normal bills. It could also be from short cycling, or someone may have changed the temperature that your home stays at without you realizing.
If you can’t identify and fix the issue yourself, it is a good idea to call an expert to check it out. If not, you could be stuck paying a lot more than you need to, in terms of utilities.
Strange (and New) Sounds and Smells
If you notice some weird sounds or strange furnace smells in your home, it could be cause for concern. Of course, no furnace or air conditioner is completely quiet, so some noise is expected. But if you run the HVAC daily, you will pretty quickly be able to identify when things aren’t normal. This could be strange buzzing sounds, clangs, bangs, knocks, rattles and other signals that something could be wrong.
When it comes to smells, pay attention to musty smells, rotten eggs, a sewer smell, or even burning plastic. These have the potential to be dangerous, so once you smell or sound something out of the ordinary, turn off your furnace or AC and call in someone to come and perform an inspection.
Getting Your HVAC System Back in Working Order
Having a well-functioning HVAC system is an important part of having a comfortable home. If you notice any of these three signs, be sure to call in a professional to take a look and repair the problem, if necessary.
