Common Signs You Need Heating And AC Repair | Richardson, TX
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The most expensive appliance in your home usually operates in the background. In fact, outside of paying the energy bills and playing with the thermostat, you probably never think about it. However, if something goes wrong the only thing you will suddenly be thinking about is your HVAC system. Most people take the cool and warm air blown out by their HVAC system for granted, but when it’s time for heating and AC repair in Richardson, TX it will be very much a present issue. The best way to prepare for repair is by being proactive.
Most HVAC systems do not just break down without giving off any warning signs. There is a good chance that your HVAC system will offer you several signs that it needs heating and AC repair before it stops working for good. If you can pick up on these signs you may save yourself from more expensive repairs, and/or an irreparable issue. No one wants to replace their HVAC system before its expected lifespan is reached, so it is a good idea to keep an ear and eye out for any signs that it’s time for heating and AC repair.
The truth is that most major issues start small and then grow. If something small is wrong with your HVAC system it will most likely continue to function, but eventually, the stress on the unit will cause other large components to wear down. The end result is an HVAC system that has no other choice but to break down under the weight of multiple issues. Your goal should be to catch the first problem so that you don’t have to deal with any additional damages. Unsure of how to do that?
The following guide takes a close look at the most frequent signals that your HVAC system is struggling with. If you notice any of these signs in your home then the smart thing to do is call a Richardson, TX heating and AC repair company before the system quits. The winter is a great time to schedule annual servicing or call for heating and AC repair because most HVAC systems are getting a much-needed break in Texas. Waiting until summer may mean you need to wait for a while before a technician is free to see you. If you notice any of the following signs, take the smart approach and call for your heating and AC repair visit today.
The System Is Not Working
Yes, this should be fairly obvious, but a lot of people seem to think that if they give it time the HVAC system will magically start working again. Every so once in a while, something that is loose or failing might have a second life after a few hours or a day, but this is still a major indication that something is wrong. While a component might be able to power up again for a brief period if it failed once it is going to fail again. Don’t wait for your HVAC system to magically power up again if it has given you any indication that it is failing.
If your HVAC system is blowing air but it’s not properly warmed or cooled, it is time to call for a heating and AC repair visit from your local Richardson, TX HVAC technician. If the system is not working, or it is pushing air that is not properly cooled or warm something is malfunctioning inside. Sometimes the issue is a leak in the line (which can be potentially dangerous as refrigerant is a controlled substance), sometimes there is a short within the electrical system. These are just several of the many reasons your HVAC system could be misfiring. Call for heating and AC repair and get to the root of the problem sooner than later.
Hot and Cold Spots
Do you frequently notice that there are hot and cold spots spread out around your home? Do you tend to go from needing a sweatshirt to stripping off layers based on where you are in your home? If you do, your HVAC system is giving you a sign that there are airflow issues within your home. Airflow issues are one of the most common signs that there are issues that need heating and AC repair. Hot and cold spots are usually the first signal that you have airflow issues, but there are more and you probably have noticed them.
For example, do you notice drafts in certain areas of your home even though your doors and windows are sealed and fully closed? Does it sometimes sound like there is an odd whistling in your home? Or maybe you notice that the doors slam shut when no one is near them. Chances are there is not a ghost in your home, but there are significant airflow issues. Simple heating and AC repair can actually fix these problems and stop you from jumping out of your skin in the middle of the night.
If there are airflow issues, you need to contact a properly trained technician for heating and AC repair. A lot of people think that they can simply suffer through airflow issues, but this is not always the smartest decision. It is a lot more than just feeling comfortable in your home and avoiding a hot or cold spot. These signs indicate that your system is strained, and failing to do anything about it could eventually lead the HVAC compressor to fail.
The compressor is the main component of your HVAC system, it is like the heart of your AC. If it fails then the entire unit will likely need to be replaced. While you can replace a compressor, it is expensive, and depending on the age of the unit most of the time if it fails it makes more sense to simply replace the entire AC system. The best way to avoid facing this disaster is by addressing your airflow issues as soon as you become aware of them by calling for proper heating and AC repair.
You Notice Your HVAC System Is Cycling All of the Time
It is normal for your HVAC system to cycle, but it is not normal for your HVAC system to cycle all of the time. All air conditioning systems run for a brief period and then turn off again. You should be used to the regular flow of your HVAC system, but if you start to notice that it is cycling all of the time then it is time to call for heating and AC repair. The goal of your system is to cycle to keep the home at a comfortable temperature, but if it is cycling constantly then that means the temperature is never being reached. It is also a sign that your system is not properly reading the thermostat or able to produce enough air to reach its goal in one cycle.
This problem is especially common on the AC side of things. Since the AC tends to get more use in Richardson, TX, it is not a surprise that a lot of the calls we get for heating and AC repair have to do with home air conditioning systems. When the AC turns on and off frequently we call this process short cycling. A lot of things can be causing short cycling, and you need to get to the bottom of it before it causes your entire system to break down. When we investigate an HVAC system that is short cycling we check the refrigerant levels, look for a dirty or iced evaporator, and check to ensure the air filter is not clogged.
You can easily check your air filter to ensure that it is not clogged or does not need to be replaced. Simply replace your filter and then pay attention to see if the HVAC system is still short cycling. If it isn’t, then the air filter was to blame and you may want to pay attention to how often you remember to change your air filters. As a rule of thumb, most homeowners should plan on changing their air filters at least once every three months. However, if you change the air filter (or have recently changed it) and there is no difference, then this is a clear sign that it is time to call a local heating and AC repair company in Richardson, TX.
Something Doesn’t Sound Right
Outside of a gentle and quiet hum when your AC is running, you should never hear any sounds coming from your system. If you do, this is a sign that it is time for heating and AC repair. AC systems tend to have telltale signs that indicate something is wrong. Even if it appears that your AC is working fine, you still need to call for heating and AC repair in Richardson, TX. An odd sound when the system is still properly cooling or heating usually indicates that a part needs to be lubricated. If you ignore this it will continue to stress the system until the friction causes the part to break or bend.
That part can then place stress on the rest of the system until more parts become damaged or warp and the action it sets off can eventually lead to a domino effect. You want to stay ahead of this so that you don’t end up needing to replace your entire HVAC system. Calling for heating and AC repair the minute you hear something odd is the best way to ensure you stay in front of any future problems.
Sometimes the sounds just mean that a component of your HVAC system needs to be adjusted, which is a simple process to complete. Other times it means that something needs to be cleaned or replaced. A trained HVAC technician is the best person you can call to diagnose the issue. Pay attention to the warning sign and you can save yourself a lot of money down the line.
Bad Odors Are Coming Out of Your Air Vents
The air produced by your HVAC system should never smell. If you start to notice bad odors coming out of your ductwork then something is either wrong with your ducts or your HVAC system, and both require a prompt investigation. The human nose is capable of distinguishing the difference between over one trillion odors. With this in mind, if you smell something out of the ordinary it is time to trust your nose.
The most common two smells we get calls about are musty odors and burning odors. The musty smell is most likely caused by mildew or mold growing in your ductwork which is a very real problem in a lot of homes. An HVAC technician will probably recommend air duct cleaning at this point to help remove the smell from your home and reduce the amount of air pollution. Mold is something that needs prompt addressing since it can also cause health problems. As a note, you want to always choose a licensed HVAC company for your duct cleaning because they are the only ones who can clean out the entire system- not just the parts you can see.
On the other hand, an electrical smell or burning can indicate that there is a short in the electrical system somewhere in your HVAC system. This is not something that you want to ignore since it can lead to a fire. Call for heating and AC repair today if you suspect a circuitry issue. Whether it’s bad odors, uneven cooling, or short cycling bothering you, if you notice any warning signs it is time to call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas of Richardson, TX. We would be glad to set up an appointment and take a look at your HVAC system.