Signs Your HVAC System Needs Repair or Replacement

Having a well-regulated home environment is highly dependent on a well-functioning HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system. However, just like any other mechanical system in your home, your HVAC unit can encounter some problems as time goes by.

It is important to know when to call for HVAC repair, find out here or when to consider replacing your HVAC system to avoid being caught off guard and also to keep your home comfortable all year round. Below are some of the important things to look out for.

Unusual Noises Coming from Your HVAC System

If your HVAC system is making any sounds other than normal, gentle hums, then it is time to call for help. Of course, HVAC systems are not fully noiseless, but they should produce a steady and rather low level of noise. If you begin to hear such sounds as grinding, banging or squealing, then it may mean you are dealing with a major issue.

Cycling On and Off Often

Your HVAC system should work in a cyclic manner, where it turns on to provide heat or cool air to the house to the set temperatures then switches off. However, if you find your system to be switching on and off more often than it used to, then you might be having a problem.

Some of the common causes of frequent cycling are: The thermostat of the AC not working correctly, there being little Freon in the system or the system being too large for the size of the house. Apart from making your HVAC system less efficient, cycling it frequently also puts more strain on it and if not corrected, may lead to further complications.

Unpleasant Odors

In general, an HVAC system should not produce any specific smells when the system is working properly. It is important to diagnose the problem if you notice that there are foul odors emanating from the vents.

Stale smells usually point to mold or mildew formation in your system or ducts, which can affect the health of the people in your home. Singed odors may indicate electrical issues or the part of the car that is overheating.

If you get an unpleasant smell of a rotten egg, this might mean that there is a leakage of the gas which is very hazardous and should be dealt with by a technician. Dealing with these problems effectively can enhance the quality of your indoor air and avert possible risks.

Old Age of the System

The age of your HVAC system is an essential element that will help you decide whether to repair your system or replace it. The average life expectancy of most HVAC systems is between 10-15 years. In case your system is in or out of this age bracket, it is more prone to regular problems and poor performance.

Inadequate Airflow

Lack of fresh air from the vents is an indication that something is not right with your heating and cooling system. When there is limited air circulation, it becomes hard to regulate the temperature within the house and is a sign of several problems.

One of the most frequent causes of low airflow is clogged or dirty air filters, which can be corrected by replacing the filters frequently. However, other issues that can cause poor airflow include severe issues like blower motor issues, ductwork blockage or refrigerant issues. These problems should be solved on time to maintain the efficiency of your system and to prevent extra load.

Being able to identify that your HVAC system requires repair or replacement can help you avoid having to spend a lot of money and also make sure that your home is comfortable all year round.

Squealing, squeaking, grinding, growling, rumbling, banging, clicking and other strange sounds, fluctuating between high and low, strange smells, the old age of the system, lack of air circulation and water stains are some of the signs that your HVAC system needs a professional check-up.