All Weather Heating & Cooling has been in the business of HVAC repair for a long time. In that time, we’ve learned how to identify key signs that a heating and cooling system is in need of an HVAC check-up. It’s critical to learn what these signs are because, if they are ignored, they can be a prelude to larger problems, up to and including a catastrophic failure of the entire cooling system.
This can be a particular concern during the hottest months of the year, when a failing air conditioning unit can be more than just inconvenient. Without a method of sheltering from the heat, you and your loved ones could actually be in danger.
Summer also happens to be one of the busiest times for HVAC professionals such as ourselves since we receive many emergency repair calls. That means that those repairs can be more expensive and take longer.
To ensure comfort and safety during the summer and beyond, call us as soon as you notice one or more of these five signs:
1. Your Energy Bill Is Increasing
All other things being equal, you can usually expect your energy consumption to be a lot higher during summer simply due to the fact that you’ll be running the air conditioning most days. However, sometimes, you might notice that your energy bill is even higher than you expected it to be. This could indicate a problem with your cooling system.
An increased energy bill could be a sign your HVAC system is operating less efficiently than it should be. There are several causes for this issue, and most of them can be repaired with some basic professional HVAC maintenance. For example, if the insulation in your home is beginning to wear out or your air ducts are clogged, your system will have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Your HVAC professional can replace the insulation material or clean the ducts and bring your monthly bill down at the same time.
2. The Cooling Is Inconsistent
Another common problem we’re frequently called to address is inconsistent cooling. This means that the system is only cooling intermittently. Sometimes it will operate effectively, but other times, it won’t work at all. It may struggle to bring the air to your desired temperature, or it may just be failing to circulate that air. You may also notice that some areas of the home are being cooled while others are not. There might be cold patches in the house while other areas are uncomfortably warm.
In any of these cases, the culprit is likely to be poor air circulation in your ductwork. It may also be the result of clogged filters or even dirty cooling coils. Whatever the ultimate cause is, it’s likely that the problem can be solved by a simple cleaning of the various components, which is performed as part of a routine HVAC check-up.
3. Allergies Are Getting Worse
The health of the occupants in a home is directly linked to the air quality, and air quality is directly connected to the effectiveness of the HVAC system. An HVAC system that hasn’t been properly maintained will experience a buildup of dust, dirt, and other pollutants. When the air conditioning is switched on, it will then circulate all that dust and debris back into the house. This often means that, during summer, when the doors and windows are often shut and the AC is blasting, the air quality in the home can be at its lowest.
Reduced air quality can easily exacerbate a number of health problems, particularly respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. If you have allergies, you may notice them getting worse since your HVAC system is failing to remove mold spores, pet dander, and pollen from the air. Your HVAC professional can often solve this issue by cleaning the ductwork and vents and replacing the air filters, which is done as part of routine HVAC maintenance.
4. You Are Hearing Unusual Noises From Your HVAC System
Your HVAC unit is made up of several different mechanical systems that must work in tandem to provide your home with cooling. If any of these systems begin to fail, there will usually be signs beforehand. Often, these signs come in the form of strange sounds, some of which are subtle and others that may be extremely loud and disruptive.
One common sound you might hear from a faulty system is a consistent rattle. This can indicate a problem with one of the moving parts, such as the fan blade. The blade could have come loose. Something could also be stuck in the motor. Either way, you’ll be able to hear what’s happening.
A buzzing sound can also be indicative of a problem with your air conditioning. An AC compressor that is beginning to fail, either as a result of a coolant leak or another problem, will often begin to hum or buzz. If you hear a sound like this, contact your HVAC contractor immediately for a check-up.
5. The System Cycles On and Off Frequently
Another issue might be that your air conditioning unit is cycling on and off too frequently. Under normal circumstances, your HVAC system is designed to switch on when the temperature creeps above your preferred setting and switch off again when the required temperature is achieved.
If there is a problem with the HVAC system, however, the system may cycle on and off more than it’s supposed to. This can drive your energy usage up. There are several reasons for why this might be, such as a faulty thermostat. If your thermostat is failing to communicate properly with your air conditioner, it may switch the system on and off more than it needs to. This issue could also be caused by faulty wiring in the AC itself, leaking coolant, or a frozen evaporator coil. In any of these situations, your HVAC professional can make repairs to get it to operate effectively again.
If you notice any of the above signs, or if you have any other reason to suspect your cooling system might have an issue, contact All Weather Heating & Cooling for an HVAC check-up.
