Signs Your HVAC Needs Repair

It’s crucial that your HVAC system keeps your home comfortable, controls humidity and enhances indoor air quality. But like any appliance, it may display signs of trouble when it’s starting to fail. Overlooking these signs can lead to an emergency breakdown at the worst possible time, which can result in costly repairs. To prevent being blindsided, call a technician from Crawford Services for guidance if you notice any of these signs your HVAC system needs attention.

Your HVAC System Isn’t Heating or Cooling the Air

If your heating or cooling system isn’t able to make warm air in the winter or cool air in the summer, there’s a good chance it’s not functioning properly. Warm air from an AC unit might be a sign there is insufficient coolant, a clogged condenser unit or compressor issues. Meanwhile, cool air from your furnace may point to issues with the ignition system, the furnace needs more fuel or a defective blower motor.

The Furnace or AC Short Cycles

Does your heating or air frequently turn on and off before completing a complete cycle? Commonly called short cycling, this malfunction puts stress on your system and reduce 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 may be another cause, because this can impede airflow and cause the unit to turn off to prevent damage.

Loud Sounds Coming from Your HVAC

An HVAC system makes some noise while it’s operating, but any sounds you don’t recognize are usually warning signs. Loud banging is a possible sign parts have become dislodged, while banging sounds can indicate a broken or detached component. Whirring or grating sounds might signify motor issues, especially if parts are wearing out or no longer working properly. Odd noises rarely fix themselves, so a repair is essential before things deteriorate more.

Unpleasant Odors Coming from Your HVAC

It’s never pleasant when your HVAC system produces a bad smell, but it might also be dangerous. A moldy odor may suggest mold is flourishing within the ducts or the unit itself. A burning odor may indicate a serious issue like a failed motor. And a sulfuric odor is the most alarming because it can be a sign of a gas leak. In this case, shut down your HVAC system, go outside and get into the fresh air. Once you’re outside and safe, reach out to the fire department for help.

Your Home Heating or Cooling Bills Skyrocket

If your energy expenses shoot up but you haven’t altered your usage habits, your HVAC system may be operating excessively to maintain the desired indoor temperature. This often happens as parts wear out and the system no longer runs efficiently. You can slow this process by maintaining your system regularly with tune-ups.

Your Home Is Too Humid

A heating and cooling system that works like it should will regulate indoor humidity alongside controlling the temperature. If your home is damp or you observe condensation on the windows, your system may not be dehumidifying your property properly. High indoor humidity is unpleasant, foster mold growth, wreck havoc on your wood furnishings and even harm electronics. Common causes include inadequate air circulation, dirty cooling coils or an oversized HVAC system.

Water Around Your Heating or Cooling Unit

Discovering water leaks around your HVAC unit is a warning you might be dealing with coolant escaping or an obstructed drain line. A refrigerant leak decreases cooling power and may cause the evaporator coil to freeze up, which creates a puddle when the ice thaws. Similarly, a blocked drain line causes water damage if not quickly resolved.

How to Make the Right Choice Between Repair or Replacement

If you see that your HVAC system needs some TLC, but how can you determine if a repair or replacement is best? Here are some considerations 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 reaching or has passed this age, it could be running on borrowed time. Older systems are less efficient and costlier to repair due to hard-to-find replacement parts, so think about 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 repeatedly calling for heating or air repair, the costs can accumulate rapidly. Eventually, you’ll need to quit wasting funds on an unreliable system and replace your problematic, old system with a new, energy-efficient one.

• Repair costs are accumulating: If air conditioning or furnace repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, HVAC installation is typically the more prudent 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, oversized or poorly designed. A carefully selected new HVAC unit delivers better climate control and improves indoor air quality.

Contact Crawford Services for Local Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing in

The team at Crawford Services is focused on providing comfort with every visit. Our qualified, well-trained HVAC technicians provide reliable solutions backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re in any way disappointed in our service, we’ll work to resolve the problem.

 Call 469-523-7406 today to book your next HVAC repair or replacement in with Crawford Services!