Have you ever said, “Maybe if I ignore it, it will just go away?”. This is sometimes a harmless attitude, but not when it comes to your HVAC system. These systems are vital to getting you through the winter cold and summer heat. A breakdown could be uncomfortable or even dangerous. If you see any of these signs, it’s time to call a professional.
Your energy bills dramatically increase
If you are hit with huge gas and electric bills when you have not been doing anything differently, you need to call a professional. Problems can pop up that drain a system’s efficiency and cause extreme spikes in your bills. An expert can get these costs back on track.
Musty smells
Musty smells are generally caused by mold or mildew that exists in the home. The AC circulates the air and if mold or mildew is found growing in the home due to voids in insulation or window leaks, for example, the air will circulate through the ductwork in the home. If you have mold you may develop conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, so it’s important to get the problem treated as soon as possible.
Electrical smells
A powerful electrical odor can mean that the wire insulation somewhere in your system is fried, or the motor is going bad. The damage could cause your system to catch on fire. This is a significant danger sign, so immediately turn off the unit with the master shutoff switch and call a professional.
The system keeps starting and stopping
When your system frequently cycles (turns on and off), it is not running long enough to be effective. It’s also draining a lot of energy, which could burn out your system. It may be a thermostat issue or something worse. The highly skilled technicians at Progressive Air Systems are available 24/7 to diagnose this type of problem whenever you need us.
Strange sounds
There is noise and then there is noise. It is normal for your unit to make some sounds, but when it grinds, squeals, clanks or bangs, it is crying out for help. This could mean there is a loose or worn-down part, and serious repairs are on the horizon if you do not call an expert to troubleshoot.
Dust
Your AC improves your indoor air quality when it is working correctly. When you see an unusual amount of dust in your home, your system or filter has lost its ability to remove it. An expert should check this out before it gets worse.
Low airflow
When your system’s airflow is restricted, your house is not adequately heated or cooled. There may be hot or cold spots where your system cannot maintain a consistent temperature. A professional can determine where your system needs repairs or replacement.
Airflow has completely stopped
Usually, this is due to an air filter that is clogged with dust and debris. A fan inside the unit may also be running extremely slowly or not at all. An experienced technician can pinpoint the cause of the malfunction.
Opposite temperatures
If cool air is coming out of your heating vents or cold air is coming from your heater, you will need to call for emergency servicing. Many issues could be causing this, but an expert can narrow it down. It is important that you call immediately or your system could completely break down.
The thermostat isn’t working
A thermostat breakdown is often the sign that the air conditioner itself is defective, not the control. Even if the problem is the thermostat itself, it contains intricate wiring that a professional should handle. (Although you should check first to see if it has dead batteries or no batteries at all!)
Your house is humid
A working AC unit should keep you cool and also reduce moisture and mugginess in your home. Too much humidity can destroy the structure of your house, itself. Moisture can cause thousands of dollars of damages to your home, so this is where a skilled technician should step in.
Clogged drain line
If the drain line gets clogged with dirt, dust, or lint, the drain pan will fill up. Water will leak out, damaging your AC unit and everything around the pan. Call a professional as soon as you notice this to minimize potential damage.
AC won’t turn off
When the air runs constantly, it is most likely due to a defective contactor, which is the relay between the thermostat and the air conditioner. When the thermostat is working but the contactor isn’t, the AC will run continuously. This can eventually damage the compressor and cause ice buildup. Call a professional as soon as possible to nip this problem in the bud.
Do these symptoms sound familiar? Sometimes the most seemingly insignificant issues can actually indicate major HVAC problems. If you notice any of the warning signs listed above, do not ignore them. Call five-star rated Progressive Air Systems of Tampa Bay, and we will be happy to keep your home free of mystery smells, strange sounds and renegade airflow.