With summer just around the corner, ensuring your HVAC system is in tip-top shape is essential, especially if you live in a place like San Antonio where temperatures can easily soar above 100°F. But, how do you know if your HVAC system is under-performing or worse yet, broken? Here are a few signs to look out for:
The Vents Are Emitting Odors
When you notice a bad smell coming from your vents, it could indicate different problems. A burning smell might suggest a burnt-out component or an improperly replaced filter. Musty smells, on the other hand, could mean that your vents are contaminated with mold, which can cause health problems, particularly for people who are sensitive to them. If you detect molds in your vents, you can replace the filter yourself, but it’s best to leave the job of cleaning the vents to AC repair technicians, as they know how to do it safely.
The HVAC System Is Making Strange Sounds
Unusual sounds coming from your HVAC system should raise red flags. The outdoor unit should not make clanging, banging, or screeching noises, as these could indicate an obstruction in the fan. Hissing, screaming, bubbling, gurgling, or squealing noises can suggest various problems, such as compressor, condensate drain line, or fan belt issues. It’s best to leave the diagnosis and repair of these sounds to HVAC professional.
The HVAC System Is Producing Hot Air
If your HVAC system blows hot air when it should not, it could indicate several issues, including clogged air filters, refrigerant leaks, electrical malfunctions, or compressor problems. You can try replacing the air filter yourself, but if the issue persists, you should call an HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. HVAC systems usually blow hot air when they shouldn’t when there’s a clogged air filter, a refrigerant leak, an electrical malfunction, and/or a problem with the compressor. As mentioned before, you can replace the air filter and see if that solves the problem.
Your HVAC Energy Bill Has Mysteriously Gotten Higher
Even with regular maintenance, no HVAC system lasts forever. The typical lifespan of any HVAC system is 20 years. As your system reaches that age or goes past that age, you’ll find that its energy efficiency decreases.
Of course, it’s very difficult to see or feel a difference in energy efficiency if your HVAC seems to be functioning normally otherwise. The best indication of a failure in energy efficiency will show up on your energy bill. If your energy bill seems to be creeping up without any indication of inflation or heavier usage, your unit is probably just old.
The HVAC System Isn’t Regulating the Humidity
Besides keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, your HVAC also has the job of regulating the humidity level in your home. This is a very important job. Too much humidity in the home can lead to poor home air quality, weakened walls and ceilings, mold and mildew growth, and more.
The HVAC Is Turning On and Off
A fully functional HVAC unit will turn on, blow some air, and then turn off when the room has reached a satisfactory temperature. It should only do this a few times during the day. If your unit seems to be turning on and off several times during the day, it may have a broken thermostat.
Your HVAC system knows when the room has reached the temperature you set because of its thermostat. If the thermostat breaks, the HVAC will be unable to sense the temperature well and will turn itself on and off repeatedly to keep up with the wildly fluctuating temperatures the thermostat is indicating.
Luckily, replacing a thermostat is an easy and often cheap repair process for an HVAC technician to perform.
As the months become warmer, following Manuel and Son’s HVAC system warning-sign checklist will ensure that your system is in good working order. Don’t forget to schedule regular maintenance and give us a call for 24-hour AC repair.
