Signs Your HVAC Unit Needs A Maintenance Checkup

As temperatures are beginning to rise, you may have noticed that your home isn’t cooling down like it used to. It may be time for a checkup. HVAC systems, like other electric equipment, need regular maintenance from time to time.

An issue with your HVAC system doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to spend thousands of dollars on a new one. Most of the time, the unit just needs a little help from a professional. Don’t wait until small issues spiral out of control; watch out for these five signs to know when your system needs attention.

1.    Poor Performance

This is often the first sign of trouble that homeowners notice. When your HVAC system won’t heat up or cool your home as fast as it used to (or maybe won’t turn on at all), you’ll start to notice the effects very quickly.

The culprit might be clogged or leaky ducts, a malfunctioning furnace, a faulty compressor or blower motor, or any number of other issues. In any case, this is a sure sign that your system should be checked out by a professional; they will be able to source and correct the problem properly. 

2.    Persistent Noises

A sure sign that something is wrong is when you turn on your HVAC unit and you start hearing a sound that you don’t usually hear. Whether it’s squeaking, grinding, rattling, or crunching, the sudden onset of strange noises is a sign that your furnace or air conditioner isn’t working properly.

3.    High Energy Bills

If you notice your energy bill is rising and your heating or cooling habits haven’t changed there is most likely a problem. Usually, excessive power consumption means that the system isn’t performing optimally and is being forced to draw extra power to continue to run optimally. 

4.    Unpleasant Odors

If you start smelling smoke, burning fuel, gas smells, or something else out of the norm, there is a chance that your HVAC system may have developed some issues. The cause of the smell can be anything from dust in your unit to something serious like a gas leak.

Whenever you smell an unpleasant odor coming from your HVAC, turn off the furnace immediately – your safety may be at stake. Then call an HVAC specialist to have it checked out and repaired as necessary.

5.    Your HVAC System Is Very Old

Heating and cooling systems and units don’t last forever. Most can last an average of 15 to 20 years. Beyond that, you can expect to see a noticeable decline in performance until the system gives out altogether. If you’re using an older unit or system, there may be nothing that can be done for it except to replace it. 

For Best Results, Watch For The Signs

Don’t let a simple problem with your HVAC systems get out of hand. Watch for warning signs and contact a professional to have your unit checked before it becomes a bigger problem. Airco Service’s experienced technicians provide expert HVAC diagnostics and repair; give us a call when noticing these signs and you can be sure that your system will be running smoothly again in no time.