About 90% of households throughout the US have an air conditioning unit. Not every unit is made to last, though. If your unit is starting to make noise or smell, there’s a chance it’s about to break down.
With preventative maintenance, you can keep your unit running efficiently. You can avoid a breakdown by scheduling HVAC repair instead. Otherwise, you might have to pay for a brand new unit.
Don’t let it come to that. Instead, keep an eye out for these six signs you need a repair service. If these issues sound familiar, you can call HVAC contractors to repair the unit right away.
With their help, you can keep your home cool and the air clear of contaminants.
Learn how to tell when you need AC repair services with this helpful guide today!
1. Constant Breakdowns
One of the biggest indicators that you need an HVAC repair service right away is constant repairs.
You shouldn’t have to repeatedly try to fix your unit on your own. You shouldn’t have to make “monthly payments” to fix the unit, either. Instead, speak with a team of experienced HVAC contractors.
Let them know your unit keeps breaking down. They might suggest a new HVAC installation. A new unit could help you avoid costly repairs throughout the year.
Otherwise, talk to your local HVAC contractors about preventative maintenance. They can arrive in the fall or spring (before extreme temperatures set in). Then, they can make smaller repairs before the unit breaks down.
If something isn’t working properly, they can solve the little issues with your unit before they become major problems.
Otherwise, components within your HVAC system can start to experience wear and tear. The unit might work twice as hard to function. If it has to work harder to pump cool air through, wear and tear could lead to major breakdowns.
Scheduling preventative maintenance checks can help you prolong the unit’s lifespan. You can avoid breakdowns throughout the year.
Meanwhile, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your unit is ready to function at its best.
2. Fluctuating Energy Costs
Take a look at your energy bills year-over-year. Has your energy bill increased since this time last year? Are you noticing fluctuations in your energy usage each month, too?
Air conditioners use about 6% of all electricity produced in the US. In fact, AC units account for $29 billion in costs to homeowners each year.
If your energy bill has started fluctuating, it could indicate a problem with the unit. There’s a chance the unit is working overtime to produce cool air. Remember, it will use more energy if it has to work harder to function.
Talk to your local HVAC contractors. They can look for a broken component or issue with the unit. You can schedule an HVAC repair to ensure the unit functions properly.
If you have an older model, however, you might want to consider HVAC installation services instead. For example, you might want to switch to an ENERGY STAR-qualified unit. These units are energy-efficient, helping you reduce costs.
In fact, these units use 10% less energy. They cost less than $75 a year to run, too.
Your ENERGY STAR-certified unit won’t emit greenhouse gases. You can keep harmful carbon pollutants from entering the environment, too.
Switching to a new unit can help you avoid rising energy costs. Otherwise, your energy bill might continue to rise throughout the year.
3. The Air Isn’t Cool
Is your HVAC system failing to keep your home cool during the summer? It might start to feel warmer inside than it does outside. If your unit isn’t cooling your home, call for HVAC repair services right away.
Before calling for help, check the vents throughout the home. Make sure the vents are open. Otherwise, the cool air won’t fill your home.
Take the time to check your thermostat, too. Is it displaying the right temperature? If it doesn’t seem accurate, let your HVAC technicians know.
Make sure the thermostat is set to cooling mode as well.
If the air still feels warm, you might need someone to check your vents. There’s possibly a blockage issue. If cool air can’t travel through the system, your energy bill could rise.
Your HVAC contractors can diagnose the problem for you. They might recognize the unit is low on refrigerant. There’s a chance it’s leaking refrigerant, too.
Otherwise, cooling issues might mean duct leakage or condenser issues. Dirty coils or a sluggish fan can cause problems as well.
4. Moisture
Does your home feel humid? Check for water pooling under the windows or condensation against the glass. These issues could indicate your HVAC system isn’t running properly.
You might want to call your HVAC contractors right away. Otherwise, your unit could continue to overwork itself. It could break down, leading you to need a costly replacement.
5. Noise and Odors
If your unit isn’t running properly, it might start to make weird sounds. For example, you might hear:
Humming or buzzing
Loud pops
Rattling
Metal clanging
High-pitched whistling
Each sound could point to a different problem. For example, a clanging sound might mean a damaged fan blade.
You might start noticing a strange odor throughout your home, too. If there’s a water leak in the unit, mold could grow. Bacteria could even grow against the AC coil.
If these issues sound family, start Googling “HVAC supply near me” right away.
6. Allergy Flare-Ups
If there are contaminants like pollen and dander in the air, it could cause your allergies to flare up. Your family could start sneezing and sniffling. You could feel sick in your own home.
Your HVAC unit’s filter should catch pollen, dander, and dust mites before they spread throughout your home. If it’s not functioning properly, you might need repair services.
Clear the Air: 6 Signs You Need HVAC Repair Right Away
Don’t let issues with your HVAC unit impact your comfort or quality of life. Instead, keep an eye out for these signs you need HVAC repair. If these issues sound familiar, call your local HVAC contractors right away.
Remember, routine maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your unit, too.
Need help from your St. Louis HVAC contractors? We’re here to lend a hand.
Contact us today to get started.
