If your HVAC system fails, you might find yourself in an uncomfortable situation that can lead to health risks if you don’t fix it quickly. Keeping up with your HVAC system’s needs and understanding the warning signs when your system is close to failure will help you avoid a broken AC in the sweltering summertime or a broken furnace in the middle of winter.
Check out our tips below to learn how to spot the signs of a failing HVAC system and what you can do to prevent it!
Warnings Signs of a Failing HVAC System
The following are typical signs of a failing HVAC system.
Strange Noises
Bangs, clangs, screeches, whistles, grinding, and grating are all noises you might hear when your HVAC unit is failing. None of these noises are signs of a healthy HVAC unit, so if you hear these sounds or worse, call your local HVAC experts!
A Decline in Air Quality
Experiencing a decline in air quality throughout your home is a dead giveaway that something is off with your cooling system. A decline in air quality or the quality of the HVAC facilities is a tell-tale sign it is time to get a new unit.
Unusual Smells
If you smell an electric or burning smell, this can be a marker of a failing HVAC unit. Unsavory smells like rotten eggs, mold, or musty smells are signs the HVAC unit is on its last leg.
Higher Energy Bills
Energy costs fluctuate throughout the year. However, if you notice your bill rising for unexplainable reasons, you might want to have your HVAC unit inspected. It is likely a sign that something is off with the system.
Puddles
Have you ever walked near your HVAC unit and smelled a mildew smell accompanied by a puddle of water around the base of the unit? That is not normal! It might just be a small leak, but it can create more serious problems later.
Strange Noises
Bangs, clangs, screeches, whistles, grinding, and grating are all noises that you might hear when your HVAC unit is failing. None of these noises are signs of a healthy HVAC unit, so if you hear these sounds or worse, call your local HVAC experts!
Inaccurate Thermostat
If you find that your home is not the temperature displayed on your thermostat, you might have an issue with the thermostat itself, but you also might have a problem with the HVAC system. Try troubleshooting the thermostat first, but if that does not help, you should reach out to an HVAC specialist to see if there is a more serious issue at hand. An HVAC technician can troubleshoot both your thermostat and your heating and cooling systems to make sure everything is working properly. Also, they can upgrade your existing thermostat to a smart thermostat, leading to more comfort and improved energy efficiency.
Multiple Breakdowns
As with any appliance, if you experience multiple breakdowns and frequent fixes, you should look into getting a replacement. Most of the time, these seemingly random breakdowns are the result of poor maintenance. However, if you frequently need small fixes, it might be a sign you need a new system. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician is the best course of action here. They can fix problems and advise you on whether or not replacement is a good option for you at this time.
All 1 Mechanical: Your Local HVAC Specialists
If you’re in need of an HVAC contractor that you can trust, All 1 Mechanical is your one-stop-shop. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, we will help assess the problem and provide you with the best solutions for your situation. When you choose All 1 Mechanical, you will receive a five-year labor warranty on all residential installations, with a one-year warranty on parts and labor for commercial repairs. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.