Ways to Know You Need HVAC Repair

It’s crucial that your HVAC system makes the inside of your home a pleasant place to live, controls humidity and enhances indoor air quality. But like any mechanical device, it may display signs of trouble when it’s starting to fail. Ignoring these signs can lead to an emergency breakdown at the worst possible time, necessitating costly repairs. To avoid being caught off-guard, call a technician from Xtra Mile for advice if you notice any of these signs your HVAC system needs attention.

Your HVAC System Barely Heats or Cools the Air

If your HVAC system can’t generate warm air in the winter or cool air in the summer, there’s a strong possibility it’s not functioning properly. Warm air from an air conditioner could be a sign the unit doesn’t have enough cooling fluid, a obstructed condenser unit or compressor issues. Meanwhile, cool air from your furnace could indicate issues with the ignition system, the unit doesn’t have enough fuel or a malfunctioning blower motor.

The Furnace or Air Conditioning Doesn’t Run Consistently

Does your heating or air frequently cycle on and off before running through a complete cycle? Commonly called short cycling, this malfunction puts stress on your system and decrease efficiency. Sometimes, a faulty thermostat will inaccurately measure the room temperature and result in the HVAC system starting and stopping unnecessarily. A dirty air filter also may be another cause, because this can limit airflow and force a shutdown to prevent damage.

Odd Noises Coming from Your HVAC

An HVAC system makes some noise while it’s working, but any sounds you don’t recognize are usually red flags. Loud banging might mean parts have become dislodged, while banging sounds can signal a broken or disconnected component. Whirring or grating sounds might signify motor issues, especially if parts are wearing out or no longer working properly. Odd noises rarely go away on their own, so a repair is essential before things escalate into bigger problems.

Your HVAC System Stinks

It’s troubling when your HVAC system makes a bad smell, but it could also be dangerous. A moldy odor may suggest mold is growing within the ducts or the unit itself. A burning odor might signal a serious issue like a failed motor. And a rotten egg smell is the most concerning because it can be a sign of a gas leak. In this case, power down your HVAC system, exit the building and get into the fresh air. Once you’re outside and safe, reach out to the fire department for immediate support.

Your Home Heating or Cooling Bills Skyrocket

If your electricity or gas bill suddenly spikes but you haven’t modified your usage habits, your HVAC system may be operating excessively to maintain the desired indoor temperature. This typically takes place as parts deteriorate and the system no longer runs efficiently. You can slow this process by maintaining your system regularly with checkups.

There’s Excess Humidity in Your Home

An HVAC system that works like it should will control indoor humidity alongside controlling the temperature. If your home feels unusually humid or you observe condensation on the windows, your system might not be dehumidifying your property properly. High indoor humidity is unpleasant, foster mold growth, distort wood furnishings and even negatively affect your electronics. Frequent culprits for high humidity levels include restricted air movement, dirty cooling coils or an too large HVAC system.

Leaks or Pooling Water Around Your HVAC

Finding a pool of water around your HVAC unit is a warning you could have leaking cooling fluid or a clogged drain line. A refrigerant leak saps your unit’s cooling power and may cause the evaporator coil to freeze up, which creates moisture buildup when the ice thaws. Similarly, a stopped up drain line results in water damage if left unaddressed.

How to Choose Between HVAC Repair or Replacement

If you suggest that your HVAC system requires attention, but how can you decide if a repair or replacement is best? Here are some factors to help you make a choice as to what’s best for your home:

• Your HVAC equipment is aging: Most HVAC systems last 10 to 15 years with consistent care. If your unit is approaching or has gone beyond this age, it could be running on borrowed time. Older systems are less efficient and costlier to repair due to hard-to-find replacement parts, so consider upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model to lower utility bills and pay for fewer future repairs.

• The HVAC system in your home repeatedly fails: If you’re repeatedly calling for heating or air repair, the costs can accumulate rapidly. At some point you’ll need to stop throwing good money at it and replace your troublesome system with a new, energy-efficient one.

• Repair costs are accumulating: If heating or cooling repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, HVAC installation is generally the smarter investment, especially if the system is aging.

• Your heating and cooling system just can’t keep your home comfortable anymore: A system that has consistently failed to keep your home comfortable may be undersized, too large or improperly configured. A carefully selected new HVAC unit provides better climate control and boosts indoor air quality.

Contact Xtra Mile for Top-Notch Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing in

The team at Xtra Mile is committed to delivering comfort with every visit. Our certified, highly experienced HVAC technicians deliver reliable solutions backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with our service, we’ll work to make it right.

 Call 561-867-7332 today to book your next HVAC repair or replacement in with Xtra Mile!