No matter how careful you are with your HVAC system, it may need to be repaired when you least expect it. One day you may notice that the thermostat is set to a low temperature, but the house shows a much higher one, or it has started making some unusual cracking or popping noises when it was quiet the day before. Be on the lookout for any sign that your HVAC unit is not working as it normally does and when something seems to be off, call your AC repair in Pearland right away. You don’t want a problem that could easily have been taken care of to develop into something much larger that may have you investing in a completely new HVAC unit.
Here are some of the most troubling signs that your HVAC is not working properly and needs to be repaired.
Bad Smells
If you turn on your unit after some days when it has not been used, you may detect a strange odor coming out of it, and that’s fine. However, this strange smell should only last a couple of minutes and dissipate. If the smell continues or if there has been no interruption in the use of the equipment, call a technician right away since it may be due to an electrical issue that, if not fixed soon, can result in a fire or the collapse of the entire unit.
Screeching, Banging, or Clanging Noises
Unless your HVAC unit is brand new, you are probably familiar with how it normally sounds. Any time you notice that the level or pattern of noises changes, it means that your unit is signaling that there is a problem. Changes in the unit sounds mean you could have a broken component or buildup in the ducts. Call a professional and have them identify the noises and address any potentially serious issues.
Constant Cycling
An HVAC unit that runs properly should run only when needed. Once it detects that your home has reached the temperature at which you programmed it, it should turn off and not start again until there is a temperature change. If you hear the system going on and off constantly and if the temperature does not feel any cooler, it may be a sign that the compressor has failed, that the unit needs professional cleaning, or that the home has a unit that is too small.
Excessive Condensation on Your Windows
A working HVAC system should help regulate the moisture in the home’s air. If you start noticing high levels of condensation on your windows, call your AC technician. When a system allows too much moisture to accumulate, it is a sign that there is a problem that should be addressed.
Frequent Need to Adjust the Settings
Adjusting the thermostat before going to sleep and again in the morning is fine. You do this because you want different temperatures during the day and at night. If you find yourself constantly fiddling with the thermostat to find the right temperature for the home’s temperature to feel pleasant, it means that there is a problem that needs to be repaired.
High Electrical Bills
It is normal for an HVAC unit to become less effective as it ages. As this happens, the system will have to work harder to produce the same amount of cool or warm air. This means that you may see a slow increase in your electric bills. However, if you suddenly notice an unexplained jump in the amount you normally pay, there may be an issue with your HVAC system. It may tell you it is on its last legs, and the time has come to replace it. If this has happened to you, have a consultation with an AC technician. If they have been coming to your house too frequently to perform repairs, it may be time to buy a brand-new unit.
Room-to-Room Temperature Variations
Unless you have a separate HVAC unit in different sections of your house, it is normal to have a consistent temperature throughout the house. Dramatic temperature differences may be a sign that the unit is too small.