7 Warning Signs of a Failing HVAC System

Some warning signs of a failing HVAC system are more obvious than others. These are the major warning signs to watch out for.

Summer is around the corner. Your air conditioner needs to be operating at optimum levels. If anything goes wrong, you have to adapt to extreme temperatures during the day and night.

Before being late, you need to check your furnace. Some hidden signs could render it ineffective. These are the signs you need to solve before hot days start.

Let your HVAC system not be the reason you’ll not enjoy this summer. Here are the common warning signs that your system is malfunctioning

1. Bad Odors

Unpleasant odors from your HVAC unit are a clear sign of trouble. It is necessary to deal with such problems before the issue gets worse.

This is a simple issue but one that needs to be handled by a professional technician. That is why you need to consider a duct cleaning service from a professional.

Duct cleaning can resolve foul odors.

Don’t allow such smells to accumulate in your room. Bad odor can harm your health. It may also make your house uncomfortable to live in.

2. Unusual Noises

It is common for HVAC units to make moderate noises. You cannot expect your system to run silently. Low-level noise will always be present, especially when starting up or shutting down.

With different brands, you can always expect some noises. However, unusual and loud noises are not expected. They signal some problem with your cooling system.

Buzzing and rattling indicate a loose part in your unit. You need to repair the HVAC system to address the loose parts. This can be done by tightening some of the loose bolts and nuts.

Grinding and whistling noises signify something serious. Such a severe problem cannot go away on its own. An HVAC company is better suited to address this problem. It is best to turn off your system immediately and call the professionals.

3. HVAC System Water Leaks

Air conditioners rely on refrigerants to cool homes. Sometimes the refrigerant has a condensation effect as it operates. In such cases, your unit is working as expected.

However, in hot weather, hot air may melt the refrigerant and release some water in the unit. This is something that you should expect. However, the liquid produced should not leak into your home.

The water around your HVAC unit is a sign that something is going wrong. This is a problem that needs to be handled immediately because leaks can damage the entire unit.

Besides, excessive leaks will damage your house. Continuous water on the wall can lead to structural problems. That is why you need to respond immediately to solve the problem.

4. High Humidity

HVAC units are made to automatically moderate a room’s humidity.

Sometimes your cooling system might struggle to moderate moisture levels in your home. This is the time you need to call a technician. A quick diagnosis help identify the source of the problem.

Some simple re-calibration can bring your air conditioner back to its best working condition. However, sometimes you will need to buy a new dehumidifier.

5. Frequent Cooling Cycles

An air conditioner is made to go through regular cooling cycles. Regardless of the weather conditions, the routine should be maintained. A good HVAC unit will always respect the normal cooling cycle.

In summer, you expect your system to turn on more frequently. This can be excused. Some summer days are very hot, and you need your system to work hard.

Regular HVAC maintenance can help address such problems. However, severe problems signify it’s time to replace it with the best HVAC system in the market.

6. Insufficient Airflow

If you have a fully functional HVAC system, you should always expect sufficient airflow. However, a unit that has some problems will always struggle to attain the required airflow levels. This is a sign your system needs a tune-up.

Technicians can easily detect whether the ductwork has blocked. Any debris blocking the ductwork hinders sufficient airflow to your home.

A clogged air filter is a common reason behind insufficient airflow. At other times, a broken motor can cause airflow problems. Something dangerous can be the source of the blockage.

Zoning is one of the strategies for enhancing air circulation. You can keep the HVAC system where cool air is most needed. Zoning also prevents overworking your unit.

Technicians can also recommend investing in an energy-recovery ventilator. This unit boosts your HVAC system. It helps it to exchange stale air with fresh air with ease.

7. Warm Air

You should not expect your cooling unit to blow warm air in summer. If it does, it’s an issue with your thermostat. It should be set to cool mode.

Your thermostat should also be set below the current temperatures in your room. If the problem persists, you need to call an HVAC technician to handle the problem.

The compressor problem might be the source of the problem. In some instances, restricted airflow may be to blame. DIY fixes cannot solve such complex problems.

Having experienced technicians work on the unit will help resolve the problem quickly. Careful calibration also needs to be incorporated to avoid similar problems in the future.

Are You Experiencing Any of These Signs?

You could be experiencing one of these signs. Unfortunately, you might have a feeling that everything is normal.

Well, there is everything to worry about. Any of these signs could signify something serious with your HVAC system. This is not something that you can continue to ignore.

Calling an experienced HVAC technician is the only way out. A good air conditioning company will repair and maintain your unit. It will prevent unnecessary breakdown and increased energy bills.

You can read our other articles for more helpful tips.

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