Nowadays, HVAC systems are an essential part of every house, office, and business. They run all day tirelessly, providing us with comfortable living conditions regardless of the weather outside. However, like any other electrical appliance that gets heavily used, HVAC systems can develop issues that require servicing from professionals. Oftentimes, there will be various signs before these issues become apparent and cause major trouble.
In this article, we’ll look into some uncommon signs from your HVAC system that will tell you that it needs professional attention. These signs often fly under the radar but can have a substantial effect on your comfort, energy efficiency, and overall system longevity.
You Are Seeing Increased Energy Bills Without Reason
Heating and cooling costs tend to increase in households during winter and summer due to increased usage of the HVAC units. But if you are noticing a rise in your bills without increasing usage, that could be a sign of a problem with the system. A spike in energy bills is usually the result of your HVAC system running inefficiently, using more energy than it should. This could be due to a variety of issues, such as duct leaks, filter blockages, or the need for a tune-up. The increase in bills can seem insignificant at first, but they can add up quickly to big losses.
Your House Feels More Humid Than Usual
Maintaining proper humidity levels inside your house also falls within your AC’s purpose. If your house is too dry during the summer and too humid during the winter, or if you’re noticing moisture from condensation on the windows or walls, then your HVAC system is not dehumidifying your house properly. Problems like refrigerant leaks or poor air circulation can impact your HVAC system’s capacity to regulate humidity and can lead to mold, warns Markham Services team. Proper humidity is one of the many elements of a comfortable indoor environment, so if you feel that your AC is failing to meet this requirement then get a professional opinion as soon as you can.
Strange Smells Are Coming From the AC
Weird noises coming from your AC are an obvious sign of trouble, but the problems don’t just end there, you have to look out for strange smells too. Electrical failure within the components or wires of the system could lead to small electrical fires which may give off a burning smell and is definitely something that requires immediate attention. Mold growth in the ducts or clogged drainage lines can produce smells too, besides being a possible health risk. You might temporarily deal with these smells by using air fresheners or ignore them, but they can impact your house’s indoor quality a lot.
You Are Experiencing Uneven Cooling Throughout Your House
Good indoor temperature control is not just about cooling your house, it’s also about cooling all parts of the house evenly. If some rooms of your house are colder or warmer than others, then something is obstructing your AC’s ability to distribute air effectively. This could be because of dirty air filters, faults in the duct insulation, or the thermostat failing to read the temperature correctly. Dirty air filters are the source of a number of different HVAC problems, so making sure that the filters are cleaned or replaced regularly is an important part of proper maintenance. It’s also a very simple process, so you can do it yourself without professional help.
Your AC is Short Cycling
Short cycling is when the air conditioner turns on and off repeatedly without cooling properly. This can be frustrating to experience, and more importantly cause unnecessary wear and tear on the system as well, potentially shortening its lifespan. A common cause behind cycling is an undersized or oversized AC. You can avoid this problem by consulting HVAC professionals like The Chill Brothers when first buying your AC, who will help you choose the perfectly sized AC system for your home. Other reasons for short cycling could be a thermostat that’s not working accurately, or low refrigerant in the AC.
The Age of Your HVAC System
Although it’s not exactly a sign like the others, the age of your HVAC system is definitely something you need to keep in mind. Wear and tear with time is unavoidable, and even if your older HVAC system seems to be running smoothly, it could be losing efficiency or nearing the end of its lifespan. If your AC is around the 10-15-year-old range or more, an upgrade to a modern system is something you should consider for the added performance, efficiency, and features.
The best way to deal with HVAC problems is regular maintenance, which can stop many issues from appearing in the first place. Be smart when it comes to taking care of your HVAC system, instead of trying to save money by not getting professional attention for HVAC signs and ignoring them. If you treat your AC like the investment that it is, you’ll get more benefit from it in the long run.Â
