As soon as your HVAC system begins to perform poorly, be sure to schedule an inspection as soon as possible to avoid an expensive repair bill.
An inspection will involve the technician inspecting both the furnace filter and air ducts to ensure they are functioning optimally, and inspecting vents and registers as well.
1. Unusual Noises
If your HVAC system is making unusual sounds, you should schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Any indications may point toward problems within your unit or ductwork that require costly repairs in the near future.
Banging or clanking sounds coming from your air conditioning unit may indicate various mechanical problems, including loose fan belts, misalignment of fan blades, or an imbalanced blower wheel. They could also signal that there’s been a refrigerant leak into the environment that is dangerous to both you and the environment.
Clanking or popping noises could also be caused by parts in your ductwork becoming stuck, so it is essential that you shut off your system immediately and have a professional inspect it as soon as possible to prevent further damage from taking place.
Noises that indicate a clogged air filter are an easy fix that should only require replacing it once; however, for best results, it is always wiser to call in professional help as they understand exactly what signs to look out for and how best to address the situation.
2. Unpleasant Smells
Unpleasant smells may be a telltale sign that something is amiss in your system. For example, if an unpleasant aroma emerges when turning on either your heater or air conditioner, this could indicate it needs inspection.
An unpleasant aroma that signals you should arrange an HVAC inspection is gas leakage. If this odor occurs in your home, exit immediately and contact your gas provider immediately for repair services.
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), an unpleasant-smelling gas released by sewer treatment plants, refineries, and animal rendering factories is known to be released into the environment and cause respiratory difficulties as well as fatalities.
Residents in their community can report industrial odors by going online or calling the hotline of their city government. These reports enable South Coast Air Quality Management District’s environmental team to identify and eliminate those that affect the quality of life for local residents.
3. Temperature Imbalances
If your living room or bedroom consistently experiences higher temperatures than others in your house, or has one which remains significantly cooler than others, this could be a telltale sign that something’s amiss with your heating and air conditioning system. Temperature imbalances are an easy problem to remedy.
If your home is suffering from an air temperature imbalance, one of the first places to look is your ductwork. If it is improperly insulated or contains holes, air won’t flow efficiently between floors.
Ideal, HVAC inspection should occur annually or more often to identify any potential issues and avoid expensive repairs later.
Whenever you notice any of these warning signs, contact an HVAC company immediately to arrange for repairs or replacement. Doing so will prevent further damage to your system while also saving on energy bills.
4. High Utility Bills
High utility bills can be an indicator that something is amiss in your home or may indicate your HVAC unit may need replacement.
One reason your electricity bill is rising could be that you’re using more energy than usual, particularly if your HVAC unit is outdated and cycles on and off more often than necessary.
The easiest solution to this issue is purchasing a new HVAC system. This can stop cycling while saving money over time.
Air leaks in your home can also contribute to increased utility bills, caused by insufficient insulation, broken or missing windows or doors and improper sealing of vents. You can avoid these problems by investing in energy-efficient windows and increasing insulation throughout your home.
