The HVAC system plays a significant role in your comfort levels at home. Properly functioning HVAC units can keep your temperatures cool during the summer and warm during the winter. If just one function of the unit is off, the temperatures at home will be negatively affected. However, with quality certified repair services available nearby, you can count on staying comfortable all year round. Here, we’ll look at some of the most common signs of HVAC repair, how they’re caused, and why you shouldn’t delay repairing them.
Common Signs for HVAC Repair in Big Bear
Some repairs are more obvious than others, and we are here to help you narrow them down. Recognizing potential problems with your air-conditioning unit will go a long way to saving you time, money, and stress down the road.
Strange Noises
Are you hearing odd noises coming from your HVAC unit? Some noise is to be expected, but when you hear banging, clanging, or squealing, you may need to contact an HVAC repair technician to assist you. Below is a quick overview of what these odd sounds, may mean:
Banging
These sounds are an indication of loose parts in the unit. If this issue goes on without repair, those parts may break and fall into the electrical system of the unit. The damage will be extensive and will require an early HVAC replacement.
Clanging
Clanging is normally an indication of imbalanced fan blades. They will need to be tightened or adjusted by an HVAC repair technician for the noise to go away.
Squealing
A high-pitched squeal may also characterize this sound. Normally this sound is a symptom of worn-out blower bearings, which will need to be replaced. Eventually, the AC will break down if they aren’t replaced in a timely fashion.
Weak Air Flow
If the airflow in your home is weak or lacking altogether, you may need to have your air filters cleaned or replaced. Clogged air filters will slow down the airflow and will impact the quality of your indoor air. Make it a habit to check your filters every 4-6 weeks to prevent this problem and to maintain a safe home environment. If this problem persists even after changing your air filter, you may also have an issue with the fan blades or refrigerant fluid levels. At that point, you will need to contact a professional AC repair technician to diagnose and repair the problem.
High Humidity
The purpose of your AC is to enhance and improve the atmosphere at home, which includes controlling humidity levels. If your home is stuffy and humid, there may be a problem with the system’s dehumidifier.
Unpleasant Odors
Poor odors in the home can be an indication of dirty air filters or mildew growth. Old units also produce unpleasant smells that indicate that it is time for a new AC. If you notice an unusual smell in your home when the AC is working, contact a repair technician to investigate its cause.
If you are picking up a burning smell coming from the vents, we want you to shut off the air conditioning system immediately and call an emergency AC repair as soon as possible. Burning smells usually indicate a blown motor that caught on fire. If it continues to burn, it will cause great damage to the unit and your home.
High Energy Bills
Have you been receiving unusually high energy bills lately? Those bills can very well be explained by an inefficient air conditioning system. There are multiple reasons why your AC is inefficient, including:
- Clogged air filters
- Leaky ducts
- Broken blow motor
- Poor refrigerant fluid levels
- Dirty coils
- Downed AC capacitor
- Broken thermostat
The list of possibilities can be endless and the best way to narrow down the cause for your high energy bill is to contact a repair technician to run a diagnostic check on your AC unit. Doing so will pinpoint the problems that are causing your unit to work harder than it should to keep your home comfortable.
Inconsistent Temperatures
It can be frustrating when the temperatures at home are inconsistent. Usually, this problem is caused by a clogged air filter, leaky air ducts, or inadequate levels of refrigerant fluid.
Refrigerant is a chemical substance that helps cool the air that was absorbed by the AC unit. If there isn’t enough of this fluid in the system, your AC will not be able to cool the home properly.
On the other hand, if there is too much refrigerant fluid, the refrigerant coils will freeze and not produce any air at all. Both of these issues must be investigated as they will wear out the AC quicker than usual and cause inconsistent temperatures throughout the home.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay AC Repair in Big Bear, CA
Upon discovering a potential AC repair, some people choose to put it off for a later time. After all, AC repairs require a bit of time and money that not everyone is willing to invest. But, regardless of how busy you may be, it is important to maintain your air conditioning unit in its best condition by having prompt repairs performed when they are required. Below are some reasons why you should never delay HVAC repair:
Comfort
A faulty HVAC system can make your home either too hot or too cold, causing a lot of discomforts. This is especially inconvenient when you have elderly or young family members at home. To maintain the comfort levels for everyone inside, it is important to make sure that all repairs are done at the appropriate time.
Health
If you have a poorly functioning HVAC system, it can and will eventually contribute to poor health outcomes. For example, if your system is not filtering the air, you may end up with symptoms of allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. Because the air conditioning system plays such an integral role in the air quality of your home, it is important that it is in the most optimal condition. Simply put your health and the health of your family members are far too precious to be risking it with a faulty HVAC system.
Safety
We already briefly touched on the implications of strange smells or sounds coming from your HVAC system. The burning smell can be an indication of a fire. However, if you smell something like rotten eggs coming from the vents, there could be a problem: a gas leak that can contribute to exposure to carbon monoxide. These types of issues are not to be taken lightly because they can cause great health challenges for everyone involved.
By putting off repairs that have to do with the odd smells in your home, you may also risk the safety of the house in general. A small spark in the vents can quickly turn into a house fire, and a small gas leak can cause an explosion. Therefore, we strongly urge you to be cautious and aware of these smells to avoid these issues as much as possible.
Cost
You may think that you were saving money by putting off that small HVAC repair you noticed. However, a seemingly small HVAC repair can lead to more significant problems because it will eventually grow into a larger issue. Consequently, you’ll end up paying more than you would have if you’d contacted a local HVAC repair technician instead.
Extend the HVAC’s Lifespan
Over the course of this article, we mentioned how many neglected repairs can lead to a worn-out air conditioning system. Prompt repairs play a significant role in the length of your HVAC service in your home. Those seemingly small issues can grow into bigger ones with the time and cause the system to break down faster. An early AC replacement will be inevitable for a poorly maintained HVAC system. If you keep up with proper repairs and regular maintenance, your AC unit can last up to 15-20 years.
Energy Efficiency
Earlier in this article, we briefly touched on the impacts of a faulty HVAC system on energy efficiency levels. Putting off HVAC repairs will continue to decrease the efficiency of your air conditioning unit. Your AC will work harder and harder to produce the same temperatures at home, causing the unit to wear out faster than usual. Not only will this contribute to expensive repairs but it may also lead to an early replacement of the unit. As a result, you may be losing money in multiple ways when delaying those necessary air conditioning repairs.
Warranty
Some air conditioning units have a manufacturer’s warranty that requires regular maintenance and repairs in order for you to keep that warranty. Without proof of regular maintenance and repair, your AC will lose the warranty if it breaks before it reaches the end of its lifespan. This means that the manufacturer will not be liable for replacing your unit and you will end up paying for a new installation by yourself. As we all know, AC replacements are not cheap. The faster you take care of that repair, the longer your AC will serve your home.
Contact Bear Valley Heating & Plumbing for Certified HVAC Repairs!
Have you noticed any of the aforementioned signs of AC repair in your home? If so, contact us to get in touch with the most qualified and skilled HVAC repair technicians in Big Bear. Our technicians will provide timely and efficient repairs and help you get back to enjoying the comfort of your home. With Bear Valley, you can trust that your AC will be in good hands and will last for many years to come. Give us a call today at (909) 347-5931 and don’t forget to visit our website to learn more about our services.
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If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.
Category: HVAC Maintenance & Repair
