With many things running through your mind every day, there’s a good chance very little attention is paid to your HVAC system. Depending on how old it is, it might need maintenance. Instead of waiting until it completely stops working, there are some warning signs you can look out for that will help you before it’s too late for you to save your HVAC system. Waiting too long can end up with very costly repairs, or you might even end up needing to replace the whole unit.
Your Electric Bill Has Increased
One tell-tale sign your heating and air conditioning unit is having issues is that your energy bills begin increasing. If there’s nothing else different about your home or the way the HVAC system is used, the system itself is likely the cause of the sky-high bills. When the HVAC system needs maintenance, it’ll work extra hard and barely be able to produce cold air, which ends up using more energy. Most of the time a faulty system causes a drastic change in an electric bill, making it easier to spot when something is wrong.
It’s Noisy and Smelly
Rattling, popping, and grinding coming from your HVAC system means something is very wrong and needs to be checked as soon as possible. When there is mold growing in the ductwork or unit, you may also begin noticing pungent and musty smells when the unit is blowing air. If you hear a squealing coming from the unit, there’s a chance that the belt might need to be replaced or a component inside the unit needs lubrication, which can be remedied by calling a professional HVAC service technician to help.
Excessive Dust Around Your Home
Clogged air filters in the unit may cause it to blow dust around, creating a mess in your home. You can attempt to clean the unit and change the filters yourself. If you end up doing it yourself, you want to make sure you clean every little nook and cranny within the unit for the best results. If you’ve cleaned it and replaced the filter and there’s still dust flying around your home, a professional service company will be able to determine the next best course of action to save your unit.
It’s Constantly Going On and Off
If your unit is going on and off, known as short cycling, more than usual, there may be a problem. Some of the reasons this can be happening include having a dirty air filter, the unit is leaking refrigerant, or the location of your thermostat is wrong. If your thermostat is already in a central location and you’ve recently replaced the air filters, you may want to have a professional look to determine the cause and the best fix.
To maximize the lifespan of your HVAC, you can find ways to use it less, such as using a fan and turning it off when you’re not home. Buying a brand new system can end up costing a lot of money, so it helps to pay attention to any warning signs and have them addressed as soon as possible.