Signs Your HVAC Needs Repair

It’s essential that your HVAC system makes the inside of your home a pleasant place to live, manages the humidity and enhances indoor air quality. But like any mechanical device, it may display signs of trouble when it’s starting to fail. Disregarding these signs can result in an emergency breakdown at the worst possible time, requiring costly repairs. To avoid being caught off-guard, call a technician from Arundel Cooling for advice if you detect any of these signs your HVAC system needs attention.

Your HVAC System Is Producing Lukewarm Air

If your HVAC system can’t make warm air in the winter or cool air in the summer, there’s a high likelihood it’s having issues. Warm air from an air conditioner may be a sign the unit doesn’t have enough cooling fluid, a obstructed condenser unit or compressor issues. Meanwhile, cool air from your furnace could indicate ignition problems, insufficient fuel or a faulty blower motor.

The Furnace or AC Short Cycles

Does your heating or air frequently cycle on and off before running through a complete cycle? Known as short cycling, this issue strains your system and decrease efficiency. Sometimes, a malfunctioning thermostat will improperly gauge the room temperature and result in the HVAC system turning on and off unnecessarily. A dirty air filter also could be another cause, because this can limit airflow and force a shutdown to prevent damage.

Odd Noises Coming from Your HVAC

An HVAC system makes some noise while it’s running, but any sounds you don’t recognize are usually warning signs. Rattling noises could indicate parts have become detached, while loud thumps can signal a broken or disconnected component. Buzzing or grinding noises could indicate motor issues, especially if parts are wearing out or malfunctioning. Odd noises rarely go away on their own, so a repair is required before things get even worse.

Unpleasant Odors Coming from Your HVAC

It’s troubling when your HVAC system makes a bad smell, but it might also be dangerous. A damp scent might indicate mold is developing within the ducts or the unit itself. If you smell smoke, it may indicate a serious issue like a failed motor. And a sulfuric odor is the most worrisome because it can indicate a gas leak. In this case, shut down your HVAC system, leave the premises and get into the fresh air. Once you’re outside and safe, call the fire department for immediate support.

There’s a Large Jump in Power or Gas Bills

If your electricity or gas bill suddenly spikes but you haven’t changed your usage habits, your HVAC system could be operating excessively to maintain the desired indoor temperature. This frequently occurs as parts wear out and the system can’t operate as efficiently. You can delay this decline by maintaining your system regularly with routine HVAC maintenance.

Your Home Is Too Humid

An HVAC system that works like it should will manage indoor humidity as well as controlling the temperature. If your home seems excessively moist or you spot condensation on the windows, your system may not be dehumidifying your property properly. Excessive moisture in the air can feel uncomfortable, promote mold growth, warp wood furnishings and even negatively affect your electronics. Common causes include restricted air movement, contaminated evaporator coils or an too large HVAC system.

Water Around Your Heating or Cooling Unit

Finding water leaks around your HVAC unit is a indication you could have a refrigerant leak or a blocked drain line. A refrigerant leak saps your unit’s cooling power and can lead to the evaporator coil freezing up, which creates a pool of water when the ice thaws. Similarly, a clogged drain line leads to water damage if not quickly resolved.

How to Choose Between HVAC Repair or Replacement

If you see that your HVAC system needs some TLC, but how can you tell whether a repair or replacement is best? Here are some factors to help you decide what’s best for your home:

• Your HVAC equipment is aging: Most HVAC systems function for approximately 10 to 15 years with routine upkeep. If your unit is approaching or has exceeded this age, it might be running on borrowed time. Older systems are less efficient and more expensive to repair due to outdated components, so contemplate upgrading to a new, energy-efficient model to reduce utility bills and pay for fewer future repairs.

• The HVAC system in your home repeatedly fails: If you’re frequently arranging heating or air repair, the costs can really add up. Eventually, you’ll need to stop throwing good money at it and swap out your finicky system with a new, energy-efficient one.

• Repair costs are mounting: If HVAC repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, replacement is generally the smarter investment, especially if the system is aging.

• Your heating and cooling system just can’t keep your home comfortable anymore: A system that has never really managed to keep your home comfortable may be undersized, too large or improperly configured. A carefully selected new HVAC unit provides better climate control and boosts indoor air quality.

Contact Arundel Cooling for Local Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing in

The team at Arundel Cooling is focused on ensuring comfort with every visit. Our licensed, skilled HVAC technicians ensure reliable solutions protected by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied with our service, we’ll work to resolve the problem.

 Call 410-645-0939 today to book your next HVAC repair or replacement in with Arundel Cooling!