The HVAC system in your home helps you to stay cool and comfortable during the hottest months of the year, and you may also rely on it to keep you warm during the winter. While most people know to call for HVAC services when their unit stops working, it helps to know that the system likely gave a few warning signs before it completely broke down. Watching for these easy-to-miss signs of a problem helps you to be proactive about maintaining a functional HVAC system.
Feeling Weak Air Flow
A failing system will often keep trying to do its job, but you’ll notice a few telltale signs of a struggle. For instance, you might notice that the air from the vent is no longer blowing the nearby curtains when the unit kicks on. Or, the whole house might just feel slightly cool when it once felt completely comfortable. Weak airflow could be caused by something as simple as a clogged air filter. But, it could also mean the blower motor is going out.
Hearing the Unit Constantly Kick On
During the prime heat of the summer, it might seem like the unit is constantly running. However, there should be a fairly defined start and shut-off cycle. If not, then your system might be working overtime to maintain the temperature on the thermostat, which is common with a failing motor. There’s also the possibility that there is a problem with the thermostat itself. Calling for HVAC services in Blue Bell, PA, can help you find out the reason why the unit isn’t keeping up with demand.
Receiving a High Utility Bill
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see how one of the largest systems in your house might run up the utility bill when it is constantly in use. If you haven’t noticed the other warning signs, then you may have a big clue when an unexpectedly high utility bill arrives. If you need to replace the system, then you might still come out ahead. Upgrading to a more energy-efficient HVAC model can often help you save more on your bills than you did before the problem occurred.
Smelling Odd Odors
Most people don’t go sniffing around the indoor and outdoor components of the system, but you might get a whiff of something foreboding if the unit is having major problems. A burning or sulfur-like smell could signal that the unit is having an electrical issue. In this case, you’ll want to shut the unit off and avoid turning it back on until it has been fully inspected by a licensed professional.
Get to the Bottom of Your HVAC Problems
Noticing the subtle signs of an HVAC problem is never fun, but you’ve got a better chance of fixing the issue before you’re profusely sweating during a heat wave or freezing in the dead of winter when you catch things early. Give Energy-Star Services a call today to start handling your HVAC repair or replacement.
