5 Warning Signs Your AC Needs HVAC Service

Your HVAC system is one of those things that’s just always there, humming along, keeping you nice and comfy.

It can be easy to never give it even a moment’s thought — until one day, bam, it gives out and you’re sweating a huge repair bill.

Extending the life of your HVAC system means taking good care of it, which means paying attention to how it’s operating.

Here are the top five warning signs that you’re due for HVAC service.

If It’s Not Doing It’s Job, You Might Be Due For HVAC Service

Probably the most obvious sign that your HVAC needs help is that it’s not cooling.

If you have your system set to a perfectly comfortable temperature yet find yourself dabbing sweat from your brow, it’s time to call a repairman.

Your HVAC service technician will check for the three primary causes of cooling problems:

• Evaporator coils that are clogged with lint and dirt: Evaporator coils are the part of your HVAC system in which the refrigerant absorbs heat. Basically, the coils are where cold air is made. When they’re dirty, you’re hot.
• Leaking refrigerant: Your HVAC service technician will have to locate the source of the leak and fix it for your system to start operating at its full capacity.
• Leaking ducts: If you have a leak in your duct, the cool air that should be keeping you comfy is spilling into the attic, or between your walls, or outside. Fixing the leak will get the air flowing to the right place — where you are.

Weird Noises

Other than the reassuring whir it makes when it switches on, your air conditioning system should not make any noise. If you hear banging, clicking, or hissing, it’s time for HVAC service.

The reasons for the suspicious noises could be a loose fan, screws that need to be tightened, clogged coil fins, parts that need lubrication — or parts that need to be replaced.

Because there are so many possible sources for the noises you’re hearing, it’s best to call and HVAC service expert to inspect your system from end to end to identify and repair the culprit.

Your Bill Goes Up

We know it’s painful to look at the electric bill when it arrives each month, but it’s important to do so.

Your electric costs should be about the same this month as they were in the same month a year ago.

If you notice a year-to-year spike, chances are something is up with your air conditioning system, because heating and cooling costs account for more than half the energy use in a typical American home.

Bill suddenly outrageous? Call for HVAC service.

It Stinks

Apologies, this one is gross.

If you notice a foul odor coming from your vents, you could be experiencing “dirty sock syndrome,” which results from bacterial growth within the HVAC system.

Can it be fixed? Yes, and soon you’ll be cool and breathing easy, but it will require a thorough cleaning by an HVAC service expert.

It’s Leaking

If you notice a brown circle on your ceiling or dripping or puddling near your system, you have a problem.

The causes for the leak could be an overflowing pan, clogged filter or backed up condensate line.

Each of these are relatively easy to fix, but unless you’re familiar with your system, it’s best to call for HVAC service to correctly identify and correct the issue.

If you notice any of these problems with your system, Enhanced Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Contact us today.