Your home’s HVAC system is what keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It is easy to ignore until something goes wrong. There are common warning signs that something could be wrong with the HVAC system. If you notice these signs, it is best to have an HVAC repair company look at them before it fails.
HVAC Repair
HVAC stands for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in your home. It includes the furnace, air conditioning unit, and the ductwork. There are quite a few moving parts that keep this system running to keep your home comfortable.
Having an HVAC repair company perform annual maintenance can keep the system running properly. But sometimes unexpected problems can occur. There are various warning signs that you might hear, see or smell, that can alert you that something is wrong with your HVAC system.
Unusual Smells
If you notice a slight burning smell when you turn on the furnace for the first time of the season, it could be the smell of accumulated dust burning off, and it’s usually not a reason to worry. However, if you notice a burning smell at any other time, you should call an HVAC company right away.
Smelling something like rotten eggs or a sulfur smell can indicate a gas leak from your furnace or another area of the house. If you ever smell this, you should leave the home immediately and call the fire department. Do not call from inside the house or turn on light switches, because that could trigger a gas explosion.
Other unusual smells include chemical, moldy, or musty scents. These can all indicate a problem with either the heating or air conditioning system.
Water or Condensation
One function of the HVAC system is to balance the humidity in the house. If you see puddles of water or condensation on or near the system, it could be a sign of a problem. Pipes and coils can wear out and develop leaks. Water leaking or condensation from these problems can cause mold or mildew to form, which is an unhealthy situation.
Strange Noises
Noises like whining, screeching, banging, or thumping are all signs that the HVAC system is not operating properly. Noises like these are usually something like a broken belt, loose screws, or debris that has become stuck in the external parts of the HVAC system.
Noises like wind or whistling can mean there is a leak in the ductwork. Less airflow coming through the vents can also indicate leaky ductwork, which will make the system work harder to cool or heat the home.
You should call an HVAC company if you notice one of these warning signs in your HVAC system. Getting a small problem fixed soon will keep the problem from getting worse.
