Does it feel like each day is hotter than the last? If so, it must be summer in Virginia! Whether you’re in your workplace or your home, you need your cooling system to be reliable. That’s why you simply cannot afford to ignore any warning signs that your air conditioning is struggling.
No one wants their HVAC unit to break down. When you take action as soon as you notice a problem, you could save yourself from the high cost of emergency repairs or a total replacement. A small issue might cost very little to fix, but when overlooked, it could become a big problem. If your air conditioning has been acting strangely, here are some warning signs that you should never ignore.
Foul Odors
Our noses are pretty sensitive, which is why the first thing you might notice is a strange odor in your home or coming from your unit. This could be a major warning sign that something is wrong with your cooling system.
A rotten egg smell could signal a natural gas leak, an electrical or burning smell could mean something is overheating, and a musty scent could indicate mold has been accumulating. All of these issues are serious and potentially life-threatening. Do not ignore them or try to troubleshoot the problem yourself. Call a professional!
Strange Sounds
Don’t dismiss that weird noise coming from your air conditioning as part of its normal aging process. New sounds could be a sign that hardware has come loose of that a component is malfunctioning. Again, when these things are left to worsen, the consequences could be costly.
Listen carefully to the noise. Is it a squealing sound or is it grating or grinding? Regardless, any unusual sounds should be investigated so that the issue can be addressed as soon as possible.
Puddles
Have you noticed any excess moisture around your HVAC unit? Does water seem to be accumulating or pooling in a specific spot? If you’ve been mopping or wiping up puddles, you should call a qualified technician right away.
Not only is this a sign that something is wrong with your HVAC unit, but you also risk water damage to your home. The last thing you want is to have to replace your heating and cooling system as well as your flooring. The expenses can really balloon quickly!
Hot and Cold Spots
The temperature throughout your home should be roughly the same. If you enter a room and notice that it’s much warmer or cooler than the rest of the house, it’s important to figure out what’s going on.
While this may be more common with older HVAC systems, unevenly heated or cooled rooms typically indicate that something is wrong. It could be as simple as your unit struggling to keep up with an especially hot day or a sign that something is impacting efficiency. Rather than play a guessing game, have your unit serviced by a professional.
Poor Air Flow
It’s sweltering inside your home, so you go and make sure the air conditioning has been turned on. You notice it’s on a high setting, but that it doesn’t feel like any air is coming out of the vents. This is a significant problem because, not only are you not getting the cooled air you need, you’re paying to run an air conditioning unit that isn’t working properly!
The good news is that the solution could be as simple as changing your filters and/or having your air ducts cleaned. If it’s something more serious, it’s better to know sooner than later!
High Utility Bills
It’s never fun to pay bills, but if you notice that your monthly utility costs are suddenly on the rise, don’t ignore it. It could be that you’ve been cooking more or added a new appliance to your home, but it could also mean that something is happening with your HVAC unit.
When air conditioning runs less efficiently, your electricity bill will skyrocket. It’s normal to see some fluctuation throughout the year, but if you see an unusual spike, have a professional come and investigate.
Call the Professionals
Whether it’s a simple repair or a complete overhaul, W.G. Speeks has seen it all. With more than 75 years of experience, we’ll know exactly how to troubleshoot your air conditioning concerns. Our NATE-certified technicians offer a free consultation, and if you need repairs, we’re here to help!
Keep in mind that, if your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it might be time to consider a replacement. Today’s models can be up to 60 percent more efficient than the ones sold a decade ago. We can help you come up with a solution that is right for you. Don’t put it off — call W.G. Speeks today!
Skip to content