Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are considered to be essential components in contemporary homes today. They help make life more comfortable, especially for families that need to deal with different climate conditions. Because of advancements in technology, HVAC units have become increasingly accessible and affordable for most households, explaining its prevalence in many American homes coast-to-coast.
Because it’s considered as a long-term investment, regular HVAC unit maintenance is imperative in order for the equipment to last longer than its life expectancy and continue functioning without any hitches. You’ve got to take care of it for it to take care of you. Therefore, you need to work with reliable and professional technicians like HVAC maintenance Middleburg from Virginia and other companies depending on your location for HVAC installation and upkeep.
Many homeowners agree that addressing a home issue the moment it’s spotted will be crucial in preventing it from spiraling out of control. This is very much true with HVAC units too. But how will you know if your HVAC needs maintenance? Below are 5 signs you need HVAC maintenance. Continue reading to learn more.
1. Increased Energy Bills
This is perhaps one of the most important signs to pay attention to. Now, it’s somewhat understandable that there are seasons in which you may use your air conditioner more frequently, like during cold winter and hot summer months. You can expect to see a slight increase in energy bills due to the increased usage rate during the aforementioned periods. Yet if you notice that your energy bills are increasing over and above your average monthly energy bills, something could be off with your HVAC’s performance.
These unusual spikes can be attributed to a problem with the HVAC system because it uses a lot of energy. It’s believed that a problem with your HVAC can cause your electric bill to skyrocket. When your air conditioner (AC) is broken, it becomes less energy efficient. It means that it’ll need to use more energy to do the same work. Bear in mind that the HVAC accounts for much of the monthly electricity bills of most residences.
If you notice a rise in energy bills, you need to call up HVAC technicians to assess and fix your unit as soon as possible.
2. Loud Noises or Odd Smells Coming Out Of The HVAC Unit
Your AC is supposed to function relatively quietly. Yes, there may be a slight sound that comes through from the air that blows from it, but nothing more than that. Hence, if you notice any loud or banging noises coming from the AC, you need to switch it off immediately and call an HVAC technician to look at it.
The same applies to foul smells. If your AC gives off a strange smell, it’s highly likely that something is leaking or that there’s a component inside the AC that’s not working correctly. ACs have certain compounds that enable them to work, such as gas and other refrigerants. If there’s a leak in the AC, you may notice strange smells. You shouldn’t ignore this, especially if there’s a gas leak.
However, note that not all substances that could leak will cause foul smells. Some may be near odorless. So, you need to stay alert. If your AC is always checked regularly, these leaks can be identified and addressed timeously.
3. Poor Airflow
If you’ve had your AC for a long time, you probably have gotten used to its airflow. It’s usually soft wisps of air that are consistent. But, if you notice that the airflow has just become poor, there’s a problem. Note that many things could cause poor airflow in the HVAC system. Thus, it’s always best that you hire or contract professionals to handle such issues before you do-it-yourself (DIY) an issue and cause further damage.
The most common culprit for poor airflow in HVAC systems is the filters. It’s advised that you change your filters after every three months at least. Filter changes become more of a necessity if you have a family member with allergies. But make no mistake, other things can cause poor airflow. It could be that ductwork is leaky, a faulty condenser, or faulty filters, among many other causes. But these problems will need a trained hand to address them.
4. Aging HVAC Unit
Much like every machine or electrical appliance you may have in your house, air conditioners succumb to wear and tear. The more they get used, the more some parts of the HVAC system break down or fall apart. There’s a need for constant repair and upkeep for HVAC systems have many moving parts, which may break down. The sooner you identify breakdowns, the less serious damages it’ll incur over time.
Residential experts agree that regular unit upkeep extends the lifespan of an HVAC system. Typically, the lifespan of an HVAC system ranges from eight to ten years. After that, you need to replace it. But, if you want to extend its lifespan, regular maintenance is critical.
If repairs are ignored for long periods, some of the damages may become irreversible and you may need to buy a new HVAC entirely. While the frequent breakdowns of old age are a sign of getting HVAC maintenance, don’t let your system age without regular professional maintenance.
5. Inaccurate Thermostat Reading
Ideally, when you have an HVAC system, you shouldn’t need to adjust the thermostat constantly.
Perfectly working thermostats are a dream – you just set them up and they’re good to go. Yes, minor adjustments may be necessary when temperatures fluctuate. However, if you find yourself adjusting your HVAC’s thermostat constantly, it’s a sign that something could be wrong.
Additionally, there’s a problem if you notice that the system takes a longer time to get up to your set temperature after setting up the thermostat.
Have a professional HVAC company look at your ventilation system the soonest you find irregularities concerning your thermostat.
Conclusion
It’s always important to note that an HVAC system needs to be maintained consistently for it to last long without any hitches. While you may dread paying for regular maintenance costs, it’ll cost way more to repair or replace a unit if it’s not maintained correctly. Keep in mind the 5 signs you need HVAC maintenance featured above as reference.
Lastly, look for an excellent technician in your locale who offers budget-friendly HVAC emergency services and regular maintenance checkups.