How to Identify Problems with Home HVAC Units
October 24, 2014
Many people take HVAC systems for granted. After all, it normally functions in a way that does not require intervention from people, so they just assume it is always going to work. However, the truth is that there are many problems that can occur with an HVAC system. When the HVAC system stops working, this is when people generally see how important it is. It is very important for temperature control in the building, which is very important for overall comfort of the people in the building.
For example, there are many instances in which an HVAC system can be dirty. This is why it would be a good idea to have HVAC cleaning services on hand. You can contact a professional to find out about prices, such as the AC unit and air handler cost. If you are having problems with the AC ventilation system, you can call air conditioner and ventilation system professionals to see if they are able to come over to your building and examine the situation. In most cases, it is a good idea to have the opinion of air conditioning professionals rather than trying to diagnose and fix the situation on your own as a layperson.
How can you tell if your HVAC system is in need of repair or on its way out? Here are a few trouble signs for each component of your system:
Indoor Air Conditioner
Your indoor air conditioner will usually tell you to look into home air conditioning repair by making considerably more noise than usual during normal operations. Typically, an increase of noise means that your air conditioner is working much harder than it should to produce cool air. A drop in efficiency is also a sign that you should look into home air conditioning repair. You can check this by keeping track of your energy costs from month to month and watching for unusual spikes.
Unusual odors also warrant home air conditioning repair, especially if you have concerns about mold. A typical HVAC system like an AC unit usually lasts from 10-15 years, so if your unit is on the higher end of the age range, you should have it inspected even if there are no noticable issues.
Furnace
Your furnace will also signal a need for repair through utility costs. If it seems like there’s a spike in expenses that doesn’t match what you feel like you’re using, you should get your furnace inspected by HVAC contractors. If you find your furnace needing more and more repairs over time, it may actually be on it’s way out. Uneven heating or unusual dryness could be a sign that your equipment isn’t aging well.
Furnaces usually last about 15-25 years. If your furnace is getting old, it might be cheaper to replace it than keep paying for repairs and maintenance.
Heat Pump
A heat pump shows symptoms similar to air conditioners. Pay attention to noisy units and soaring energy costs. Heat pumps only last about 10 years, so units that are older than that will likely exhibit problems. Heat pumps getting stuck in one mode or ice forming on coils can both be signs that you need to call for heating and air conditioning repair.
These signs aren’t always indicators that you’ll need a full replacement, but it’s best to get them checked out by a professional anyway.