5 Common Home HVAC Problems (and What to Do About Them)

Has your HVAC unit started rattling or producing strange odors? Perhaps your energy bills have shot up recently. Small HVAC problems could have a major impact on your quality of life and budget. 

About three-quarters of homes in the US have air conditioners, which use about 6% of all electricity produced in the US. Though many homeowners have units, not many have experience completing HVAC repairs.

Here are five potential HVAC issues to keep an eye out for (and what to do about them). After reading this guide, you can identify issues quickly. 

If you need help, you can contact an HVAC company before your energy bills become more than you can handle. Read on to discover the top HVAC issues to watch for today. 

1. High Energy Bills

First, review your energy bill year-over-year. If you’ve noticed major changes to your energy usage, it could indicate a problem. It’s likely your HVAC unit is working overtime to produce cool or warm air.

If your unit overexerts itself, it could break down. You might have to pay even more for repairs as a result.

Before that can happen, consider requesting preventative maintenance services. Preventative maintenance could push the life of your unit to over 15 years.

2. Constant Breakdowns

If your unit breaks down constantly, it could indicate a problem with a specific component. Track the problems you’re experiencing.

For example, perhaps the unit is rattling, leaking, or refuses to turn on. It’s possible you need a new unit. You can call an HVAC repair company to assess the problem.

They’ll help you determine the best solution. 

3. Heating/Cooling Fluctuations

As you consider these HVAC problems, make sure to take a look at your thermostat. Is the unit reaching the desired temperature? If your unit fails to keep your home warm or cool, it could indicate:

  • Leaking refrigerant
  • Low refrigerant
  • Condenser issues
  • Duct leakage

Remember, the unit might push itself to function, leading to future HVAC issues. You can call an HVAC company to assess the problem. The team at sanfranciscoheatingandairconditioning.com can help. 

4. Strange Noises

You might need an HVAC service if your unit begins making weird sounds. For example, it might:

  • Hum
  • Clang
  • Rattle
  • Pop
  • Whistle
  • Buzz

A popping sound might mean it’s time to change the air filter. If the unit is whistling, it’s possible a duct is blocked.

5. Leaks

If water is leaking under the HVAC unit, you might need to call an HVAC repair team. Otherwise, the unit won’t blow out cool air. It’s possible the duct isn’t sealed properly.

You could lose insulation as a result. The unit might work twice as hard to produce cool air, causing it to break down, too. 

Clear the Air: 5 Common HVAC Problems to Watch Out For

Don’t let these five common HVAC problems cause your energy bills to skyrocket. Instead, consider hiring an experienced HVAC company. They can assess the HVAC issues you’re experiencing and determine the best solution.

With their help, you can keep your unit energy-efficient year-round.

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