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Unless it's broken, most homeowners don't give their HVAC system two thoughts.
And that's exactly why your system will break someday.
Your HVAC will not fail without warning. Systems give you tell-tale signs weeks...sometimes months...before things shut down completely. The trick is knowing what they are.
If you call for service early, those warning signs can lead to a simple repair call. Left unchecked, your wallet could suffer serious damage.
Partnering with trusted HVAC contractors well before failure occurs is the best home improvement decision you'll make. HVAC technicians are trained to spot subtle warning signs you may miss…and correct them before they require a total system replacement.
A few studies have confirmed repairs cost 50-100% more when they become emergency calls. Running HVAC equipment until it stops working completely can cost you 3-10 times more than maintaining your system throughout its life.
Let those numbers sink in for a minute.
Table of Contents
Why Early HVAC Repair Matters
Seven Warning Signs Your HVAC System Needs Repair
1. Unusual Noises
2. Inconsistent Temperatures
3. High Energy Costs
4. Weak Airflow
5. Leaks Around the Unit
6. Frequent On and Off Cycling
7. Smells When Running
What Happens if You Ignore The Warning Signs
Prevent Unexpected Failures With Regualar Service Visits
Why Early HVAC Repair Matters
When your car starts making odd noises or is leaking fluids, you take it to a mechanic to be repaired.
Think of your HVAC system as that car engine. A minor refrigerant leak, loose capacitor or clogged drain line can ruin your entire HVAC system if left untreated.
HVAC repair doesn't only affect your wallet when your system breaks down. According to industry studies, each $1 you defer on HVAC maintenance turns into $4 in equipment replacement costs down the road.
Americans spend over $10 billion on HVAC repair and maintenance every year. Many of those expenses could have been avoided with just a little TLC along the way.
Seven Warning Signs Your HVAC System Needs Repair
Here are the seven most common HVAC warning signs every homeowner should know. If your system is exhibiting any of these symptoms, call your HVAC contractor immediately.
1. Unusual Noises
Your HVAC system should not make loud banging, rattling, squealing or grinding noises.
Any strange sounds coming from your heating or cooling system should be inspected by a qualified HVAC technician.
Rattling sounds can indicate loose parts. Squealing sounds usually means your blower motor belt is going out. Grinding sounds could mean metal parts are touching and will require immediate attention.
Strange noises are your HVAC systems way of crying out for help. Don't ignore them.
2. Inconsistent Temperatures
You can't seem to get the house warm...or cooling quickly enough.
If your heating or cooling system isn't keeping your home comfortable or is very inconsistent about it, chances are something isn't right with the system.
Schedule service with your HVAC contractor to come take a look.
3. High Energy Costs
Your energy bill was much higher this past month...and you don't know why.
Perhaps the most obvious sign that your HVAC system needs attention is an unexplained spike in your energy bill.
Remember... Energy Inefficiency Always Shows Itself On The Utility Bill First.
If your HVAC system is running less efficiently than it should your energy bills will skyrocket.
An HVAC technician can pinpoint where your system is losing efficiency and correct the problem.
4. Weak Airflow
Airflow from your vents seems weaker than normal.
A dirty air filter, blower motor failure or blocked/leaky ductwork can all cause weak airflow.
Just like your energy bills, weak airflow will force your system to work harder than it should which can cause other problems if left alone.
5. Leaks Around the Unit
When there is active leaking or pooling water around your HVAC system.
Some moisture around your HVAC equipment is normal. Leaks around the unit or ICE BUILD UP are not normal.
Left untreated, water damage can spread to the surrounding structure which creates an even bigger and expensive problem.
Schedule repair service with your HVAC contractor ASAP.
6. Frequent On and Off Cycling
Your system turns on and off more frequently than it used to.
Watch how often your system kicks on during the day or night. If it cycles on too frequently your system is struggling.
Not only is this hard on your compressor (which is expensive to replace), it's your HVAC system saying "I need service NOW!"
7. Smells When Running
Musty odors, rotten eggs or burning smells when your system is operating.
Musty odors usually mean there's mold growing inside your HVAC equipment or ductwork.
Burning smells could mean you have electrical issues or something is overheating.
Rotten egg smells could be an indication of a gas leak. If you suspect a gas leak turn off your system immediately and call your gas company.
What Happens if You Ignore The Warning Signs
Think your HVAC system can run forever without maintenance?
This graph courtesy of American Standard Heating & Cooling paints a sad picture of what happens when homeowners ignore maintenance.
You guessed it... ALL of those systems should have had regular HVAC service performed on them. Neglected HVAC systems don't last very long in today's world.
Every system on that graph went out far sooner than it should have because maintenance was neglected.
Prevent Unexpected Failures With Regualar Service Visits
Yearly HVAC service is the single best thing you can do to prevent sudden breakdowns.
Annual HVAC service allows a qualified technician to inspect your system for faulty parts, clean important components and repair small issues before they become big ones.
The difference between a system that runs reliably for 15+ years and one that lasts half that usually comes down to maintenance.
Scheduled maintenance is the easiest HVAC repair homeowners can do.
Bottom Line
HVAC systems send us plenty of clues before they suddenly quit working.
Strange noises, uneven temps, high energy bills, weak airflow, water leaks, frequent cycling and bad smells are a few signs that your HVAC system needs service. Addressing these issues early can mean the difference between an affordable repair or an expensive house improvement nightmare.
As a homeowner, you can't go wrong by scheduling regular service and taking care of your HVAC equipment.
You can assuredly go broke by ignoring maintenance and running your HVAC system till it quits.
Service your HVAC equipment often and it'll serve you...and your wallet...right back.
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