With temperatures rising across the country, the chances are you’re already relying on your HVAC to help you maintain a more comfortable temperature in your house. If you want to stay nice and cool this summer, understanding your HVAC and knowing when something is wrong can give you the peace of mind that your unit is working as it needs to be and isn’t on the verge of failure, which can cause massive disruption to your life and your home.

This post examines some of the more common signs that your HVAC is having an issue. By recognizing these signs early and rectifying them as soon as possible, you can avoid the discomfort and stress that come with a malfunctioning HVAC system, ensuring a more comfortable and worry-free home environment.

Reduced Cooling

Firstly, the most obvious sign that something is wrong with your heating unit is that it simply isn’t doing what it’s supposed to. You’ve turned it on, and it’s on the right settings, yet it’s not cooling the house down or giving us the same level of performance it should be. If this is the case, you need to call for HVAC repairs from an experienced provider to identify and rectify the issue and get your home back to a nice, cool environment. Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious issues, such as complete system failure or even health hazards.

Strange Noises

Your HVAC shouldn’t be making strange noises, but if it does, this could indicate something is failing or damaged within the system, and there could be a huge problem. Noises like ticking, grinding, banging, hissing, etc., can indicate issues such as a slipped or worn belt, broken bearing, or a lack of lubrication. Again, call a service company to check the unit and find the cause of the noise.

Leaks or Moisture

Pools of water or leaks can be a serious problem, especially if it’s coolant, not just water. A leak can indicate anything from a fracked tube to a frozen evaporator coil, disconnected or clogged drain lines, and more. Identify the leak and turn the system off until you get the issues fixed to avoid leaking coolant, which can be harmful to your health and cause damage to your home. It’s important to address this issue promptly to avoid further damage to the HVAC system.

Increased Energy Costs

Depending on the age of your unit, you will experience high costs associated with running your HVAC continuously. However, if you notice your bills are creeping up for no reason, your HVAC might be the cause and the reason it could be failing. Damaged HVAC units need to work harder to maintain the same level of output, which will increase the energy they consume to perform their duties. Regular maintenance can help identify and address these issues, potentially saving you from high energy bills and costly repairs.

Strange Odours

Any smells coming from your HVAC aren’t a good sign at all. An off-putting odor can mean there could potentially be a few things going on, such as mold or mildew growing in the unit or a burnt-out wire. Either way, if it doesn’t smell good, turn it off, book a service and/or repair, and put your mind at ease.