Ohio generally experiences year-round rain and is unlikely to experience dry weather. However, summers usually mean humid and hot, while winters are cool and extremely cold. This unpredictability and extreme weather often mean a year-round need for your Heating, ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems. Thus, when the HVAC device suddenly malfunctions, it causes more than a headache; it could potentially risk lives, such as heat strokes, hypothermia, or frostbite.
To avoid getting caught off guard by HVAC troubles, it is essential that you educate yourself on the common indicators that it might be crying out for more than just some DIY fix. When your HVAC equipment demands professional intervention, it’s critical to recognize the signs.
Early detection also helps you avoid incurring more significant financial costs as it keeps the problem from becoming more complicated. Broken heating and cooling systems have also taken a toll on our environment with the constant need for disposal. Each year, the Department of Energy records over three million HVAC systems replaced, and this article has found that over 10 billion dollars are spent on repairs and maintenance services.
Recognizing the alarming implications of these staggering numbers, here is a list of common signs of your HVAC system experiencing maintenance issues so you can address them promptly when you see them in your home equipment.
- Uneven heating or cooling capability
When you notice that your HVAC system is unable to keep a consistent temperature through your home or in its coverage area, it usually means a first sign that the system requires some professional walk-through. This inability to keep some rooms warm during winter and cool during summer may be caused by a variety of issues. This could range from a minor ductwork problem or a malfunctioning thermostat to a bigger one, such as a failing compressor. A professional technician can help assess the situation and provide a countermeasure to restore the balanced temperature distribution.
- Unusual noises
A clear sign of something wrong with your heating and cooling equipment is that it makes a racket when turned on. Strange noises can be hissing, banging, squealing, or rattling sounds, and each sound type means a different problem, including loose parts, damaged fans, or clogged ducts. Whatever the noise may be, ignoring it can lead to even more significant problems over time. Thus, when your equipment starts singing off-key tunes, call for a repair service immediately for a thorough inspection and prompt repairs.
- Poor, insufficient airflow
Other HVAC issues can be made known through a weak airflow from the vents. A reduced airflow means your HVAC system is forced to work harder to sufficiently provide the needed cooling or heating air throughout your home. This could lead to higher energy consumption, which not only translates to higher energy bills but also has a direct adverse impact on the environment. The problem can be attributed to a clogged air filter, a damaged blower motor, or a failing compressor. Whatever it is, the exact cause can only be deduced by professional experts.
- Frequent on-and-off cycling
If your system is experiencing rapid on-and-off cycling, no matter the weather, there could be an underlying problem with some of its components. An indecisive HVAC system could be rooted in malfunctions in the thermostat, insufficient refrigerant levels, or something as simple as dirty evaporator coils. If this goes on for a long time without any professional check-up, it can lead to premature wear and tear, ultimately shortening your device’s lifespan. This could lead to an even bigger problem when it finally breaks down during the extreme winters.
Learn more about protecting yourself from the dangers of winter storms here: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/toolkits/winterweather/default.html
- Water leaks and high incidence of moisture
A problem becomes apparent when any machinery or device starts leaking fluid. For your heating and cooling system, it usually means a clogged condensate drain, refrigerant leaks, or a malfunctioning evaporator coil. If leaks are left to form puddles or keep your system moist, it is bound to cause some damage or, more health risk, mold growth, especially in Columbus’ humid climate. Thus, it is crucial, not only for your device but also for your own health, to manage moisture and efficiently maintain a safe indoor air quality.
- Strange smells
An unpleasant smell coming from your heating and air conditioning system can only mean one thing – trouble. Musty or moldy smells obviously indicate mold growth, while a burning or smoky odor suggests some electrical issues – both lead to great dangers. Also, sometimes, this could mean a funny anecdote on how a dead critter has found its way into your ductwork. Nevertheless, breathing contaminated air can pose significant health risks, so avoid stalling to have these odors investigated and resolved by an HVAC technician.
More than recognizing the signs that call for HVAC repairs, a preventive measure like regular maintenance is still the key to keeping your system in pristine condition. Something as easy as changing your air filter every one to three months, sealing any gaps in the insulation, and keeping the area around your outdoor unit clean can significantly extend your system’s life. Your HVAC system is your guardian against Columbus’s extreme weather conditions. Knowing when to call for professional help is a game changer and something your system will show its appreciation for by being reliable in maintaining indoor comfort year-round.
