Signs Your HVAC Needs Repair

It’s crucial that your HVAC system makes sure your home is cozy, manages the humidity and enhances indoor air quality. But like any mechanical device, it may exhibit signs of trouble when it’s starting to fail. Disregarding these signs can result in an emergency breakdown at the worst possible time, necessitating costly repairs. To avoid being caught off-guard, contact a technician from Hays Cooling, Heating & Plumbing for advice if you notice any of these signs your HVAC system needs attention.

Your HVAC System Is Producing Lukewarm Air

If your HVAC system can’t produce warm air in the winter or cool air in the summer, there’s a good chance it’s not functioning properly. Warm air from an air conditioning system could be a sign of low refrigerant, a obstructed condenser unit or a compressor malfunction. Meanwhile, cool air from your furnace might suggest faulty ignition components, insufficient fuel or a defective blower motor.

The Furnace or Air Conditioning Doesn’t Run Consistently

Does your furnace or air conditioner frequently power up and shut down before running through a complete cycle? Referred to as short cycling, this malfunction puts stress on your system and decrease efficiency. Sometimes, a faulty thermostat will incorrectly read the room temperature and result in the HVAC system cycling unnecessarily. A clogged air filter also may be another cause, because this can limit airflow and force a shutdown to prevent damage.

Odd Noises Coming from Your HVAC

An HVAC system produces some noise while it’s operating, but any sounds you don’t recognize are usually a cause for concern. Clattering sounds is a possible sign parts have become dislodged, while loud knocking can indicate a broken or detached component. Buzzing or grinding noises might signify motor issues, especially if parts are deteriorating or no longer working properly. Odd noises almost never fix themselves, so a repair is essential before things get even worse.

Nasty Smells Coming from Your Heating or Cooling System

It’s never pleasant when your HVAC system produces a bad smell, but it also may be dangerous. A musty smell might indicate mold is flourishing within the ducts or the unit itself. The smell of something burning may indicate a serious issue like an overheated motor. And a rotten egg smell is the most alarming because it can be a sign of a gas leak. In this case, shut down your HVAC system, exit the building and get into the fresh air. Once you’re outside and safe, contact the fire department for help.

There’s a Large Jump in Power or Gas Bills

If your energy expenses shoot up but you haven’t changed your usage habits, your HVAC system might be running more than usual to keep the living space cozy. This typically takes place as parts wear out and the system no longer runs efficiently. You can delay this decline by maintaining your system regularly with routine HVAC maintenance.

The Air in Your Home Is Extremely Humid

A heating and cooling system that functions properly will regulate indoor humidity as well as controlling the temperature. If your home feels unusually humid or you spot condensation on the windows, your system might not be dehumidifying your property properly. Excessive moisture in the air can feel unpleasant, foster mold growth, distort wood furnishings and even harm electronics. Common causes include restricted air movement, clogged cooling components or an too large HVAC system.

Leaks or Pooling Water Around Your HVAC

Finding a pool of water around your HVAC unit is a warning you may be experiencing leaking cooling fluid or a clogged drain line. A refrigerant leak saps your unit’s cooling power and might result in ice on the evaporator coil, which creates moisture buildup when the ice thaws. Similarly, a stopped up drain line results in water damage if not quickly resolved.

How to Choose Between HVAC Repair or Replacement

If you see that your HVAC system requires attention, but how can you tell whether a repair or replacement is best? Here are some points to help you decide what’s best for your home:

• Your HVAC equipment is aging: Most HVAC systems are good for 10 to 15 years with routine upkeep. If your unit is approaching or has gone beyond this age, it could be running on borrowed time. Older systems are less efficient and more expensive to repair due to hard-to-find replacement parts, so contemplate upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model to save on utility bills and pay for fewer future repairs.

• The HVAC system in your home often malfunctions: If you’re repeatedly calling for heating or air repair, the costs can add up quickly. Eventually, you’ll need to stop putting money into a lost cause and swap out your problematic, old system with a new, energy-efficient one.

• Repair costs are accumulating: If HVAC repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, replacement is typically the wiser investment, especially if the system is several years old.

• Your heating and cooling system can’t keep up: A system that has never really managed to keep your home comfortable may be undersized, oversized or improperly configured. A well-chosen new HVAC unit offers better climate control and enhances indoor air quality.

Contact Hays Cooling, Heating & Plumbing for Top-Notch Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing in

The team at Hays Cooling, Heating & Plumbing is committed to providing comfort with every visit. Our qualified, skilled HVAC technicians provide reliable solutions backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with our service, we’ll work to resolve the problem.

 Call 602-767-4891 today to arrange your next HVAC repair or replacement in with Hays Cooling, Heating & Plumbing!