4 Signs Your HVAC System Needs Maintenance

Damage to your HVAC system’s ductwork, compressor, fans, or other components often become more severe over time. Fortunately, you can find any problems and have them repaired before they get worse with regular maintenance. You should have your Loudon, Tennessee, home’s heater or air conditioner checked by a professional at least once per year, and you should change your air filter at least every few months. If you notice strange smells and unusual noises, have high utility bills, or your home is consistently too hot or too cold, get your HVAC system inspected by an expert.

Bad Smells In Your HVAC System

If you smell sulfur or rotten eggs, you could have a gas leak. A burning odor, on the other hand, could mean trouble with your HVAC system’s wiring or another component. Either way, you should evacuate and call 911 or your gas company’s emergency number.

Stale, musty, or rotting scents can indicate biological growth in your HVAC system’s ductwork, your air filter, or the rest of your home. It could also mean that pests like mice or cockroaches have died or left their droppings in your ducts. Poor indoor air quality from these pollutants or other substances, such as pollen or pet dander, can impact your family’s health. You could experience a sore throat, eye irritation, headaches, fatigue, or increased asthma and allergy symptoms.

High humidity can invite pests and encourage biological growth. These issues could mean that your heater or air conditioner is having trouble regulating moisture levels inside your home. You could also need additional ventilation in your kitchen or bathrooms, better insulation, or replacements for worn out parts.

Annoying Noises Coming From Your HVAC System

Most heaters and air conditioners are relatively quiet. If your HVAC system is working well, you should only hear air moving through the ducts or an occasional clicking sound when your indoor air handler turns on and off. If you hear banging, grinding, screeching, or rattling sounds, your system could need maintenance.

A loud bang in winter could mean than your furnace’s burner isn’t lighting quickly enough. When gas accumulates before it ignites, it can lead to a small explosion, damaging your equipment and exposing you and your family to dangerous carbon monoxide. Grinding is a sign of low oil or another lubricant. This issue is easy and inexpensive to fix, but it can cause serious damage over time. Screeching or squealing often indicates a damaged or worn belt or a leak in your ductwork. A loose screw could produce rattling noises, but it usually doesn’t lead to more serious problems.

An Uncomfortable Home

If your house constantly feels too cold or too hot, your HVAC system may be failing. If your system is failing, it might run often with little effect on the temperature of your home, frequently turn on and off, or stop working at all. Poor airflow from dirty ductwork, a dirty air filter, or debris, such as leaves or grass clippings, on your outdoor unit, can often prevent your HVAC system from working as well as it could.

Other potential causes include a malfunctioning thermostat, inadequate insulation, or a refrigerant leak. You could also have an improperly sized heater or air conditioner that doesn’t have the capacity your home needs.

High Utility Bills

Many HVAC malfunctions waste energy and increase your utility bills. If you notice a sudden increase in your heating or cooling bill but your energy use has stayed the same, contact a professional to find out exactly how you’re losing energy, take care of the problem, and reduce your costs. Keeping your HVAC system working efficiently will also extend its life and prevent future issues.

Cook’s Comfort Systems, Inc. has more than 25 years of heating and air conditioning experience. We can help you make sure that your HVAC equipment stays in excellent condition for as long as possible. With our maintenance plan, you’ll get two free inspections per year along with greater peace of mind. We’re a Trane Comfort Specialist, and our technicians are certified by NATE, the North American Technician Excellence organization. For outstanding service, call us anytime at 865-238-4835.

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