5 Signs Your HVAC System May Struggle This Summer
The summer heat is coming! Is your cooling system ready?
When temperatures spike into the 90s in July and August, your system has to work hard to keep up. Unfortunately, the summer heat can be too much to handle for an old or malfunctioning system.
Here are some warning signs to keep an eye out for as the temperatures rise:
#1 Airflow issues: If the air from your vents feels warm or the airflow is weak, your system might be nearing the end of its life. Airflow problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Refrigerant leaks
Compressor issues
Thermostat issues
Electrical malfunctions
If you’re experiencing warm or weak airflow, we recommend calling an HVAC technician immediately to help you get to the bottom of the issue!
#2 Short-cycling: Short-cycling is a relatively common issue that most homeowners don’t think about. Short-cycling occurs when your HVAC unit turns on and off too quickly, without completing a full cooling cycle. This often results in inconsistent patches of warm and cool air within your home, which causes the system to cut back on again too soon, and the cycle repeats itself.
Over time, short-cycling uses up more energy and results in higher electric bills, not to mention causing wear and tear on the system.
#3 Energy bill spikes: Have you noticed higher-than-usual energy bills? While it’s normal for your bill to increase in the heat of the summer and the coldest days of winter, an unusually high bill may also indicate something is wrong with your system. In general, if your system is older (10+ years), it is likely less energy efficient, possibly driving up your energy costs.
#4 Frequent repairs: Is your system repeatedly breaking down? That might be a sign that it’s nearing the end of its life. If your system is over 10 years old, you might want to have a conversation with an HVAC professional to determine if it makes sense to replace the unit instead of continuing to pay repair bills.
#5 Odd noises or smells: When it comes to system health, other red flags to pay attention to are strange noises or smells.
Sounds to listen for: You might hear rumbling, screeching, rattling, popping, or banging. These noises could indicate several serious issues with your unit, especially if it is on the older side.
Smells to pay attention to: Strong, foul odors are a common warning sign that a heating system needs attention. The foul smells could be due to various factors, such as dust accumulation on the furnace, debris trapped in the system, dirty filters or vents, etc. It’s best to call your HVAC provider to find out what’s going on. Never ignore a rotten egg smell, which may indicate a gas leak!
Need help with your system? Our expert technicians are ready to assist you, which means offering regular heating maintenance, quickly dealing with breakdowns and emergency repairs, or advising you on which cooling system is right for your home. Give us a call at 434-298-2151 or schedule service online.
