If something goes wrong in your house, it can be very tempting to think that you can fix it. It’s definitely possible to get away with it if you’re particularly handy. Even though you might be able to fix the pipe under your kitchen sink yourself or paint the living room yourself, there are times when it’s best to call a professional. An HVAC system acting up is one of those situations if you notice any of the following signs:
No Hot or Cold Air
It seems you’ve tried every DIY fix on the internet, made sure that each window was sealed tightly, and even changed the air filter, but nothing seems to work. The vents are still not blowing hot or cold air, and in the extreme summers and winters of Iowa, you are clearly suffering. Failure of a heating or cooling system to produce hot or cold air is one of the most noticeable and frustrating signs on this list. Call a professional.
It may seem like your HVAC system is beyond repair, but you may not need to replace it completely. You may need to replace a single part (rather than replace the whole unit) if a simple mechanical issue arises.
Weird Smells
Maybe the cold air is blowing fine, but it smells a little like a penny over a flame: metallic, sharp, and slightly burnt. Burned wiring may cause this smell. The problem needs to be addressed immediately.
Stale or musty odors are another sign that you should call a professional. A musty smell could indicate a mold problem.
You should shut off your AC unit and contact an HVAC company as soon as possible. Keep it turned off until you know what’s going on, as you don’t want moldy air blowing throughout your home or fried wires working double-time.
Poor Output
You checked and double-checked that your vents were open, you cleaned them until they shined, and all you got was a pathetic breeze.
If your blower is not working properly, it might be because of a dirty fan, a dead motor, a loose fan belt, or a stuck wheel. This can prevent the blower fan from blowing enough air out of your vents to keep you cool. Consider a quick inspection of the attic first, as some kinks in your ductwork may be preventing airflow. Simply straighten them out as you would a hose.
If that doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to call in the big guns. An Indianola Mechanical technician equipped with HVAC software can diagnose the problem quickly.
Odd Noises
If your AC or furnace is humming, buzzing, banging, or clanking, it may be because of loose connections or foreign objects interfering with its fan. Both of these conditions could cause damage, so be sure to make an appointment right away. If possible, turn off the unit to prevent any further damage, but if it is freezing or scorching outside, there’s no pressing need to do so. Get a technician out there as soon as possible.
Moisture
Although air conditioners produce water during the cooling process, it is meant to run out of the back or out of a specific drain. Your air conditioner is leaking if the water is coming from somewhere else (like inside your house).
Moisture or condensation in your ducts could mean any number of things, and none of them are good. Parts that are broken, ductwork that is leaking, or a unit that is malfunctioning are all possible problems that require a proper diagnosis. Make sure you turn off the unit to prevent further damage and schedule an appointment as soon as possible to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Unusually high energy bill
Your energy bills are sure to stand out if nothing else on this list grabs your attention. You might see an increase in your energy bill if your unit is using more energy than usual. The unit might also need to be upgraded. The lifespan of a furnace or air conditioner in Iowa is typically 12-15 years. Other factors may affect the lifespan, however.
Preventative maintenance is an effective way to avoid this problem (as well as all the other issues on this list). It is a good idea to have an Indianola Mechanical technician check out your system every fall and spring. Identifying problems before they become serious is good for your unit’s longevity and your peace of mind. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Call us today and talk to one of our friendly customer service staff members about our Maintenance Plus Plans.