When to Call for HVAC Service: Seven Tips from the Pros

It’s essential that your HVAC system keeps your home comfortable, controls humidity and improves indoor air quality. But like any equipment, it may display signs of trouble when it’s starting to fail. Overlooking these signs can result in an emergency breakdown at the worst possible time, which can result in costly repairs. To avoid being taken by surprise, reach out to a technician from Freedom Heating & Cooling for consultation if you notice any of these signs your HVAC system needs attention.

Your HVAC System Isn’t Heating or Cooling the Air

If your HVAC system isn’t able to generate warm air in the winter or cool air in the summer, there’s a good chance it’s struggling. Warm air from an AC unit might be a sign the unit doesn’t have enough cooling fluid, a clogged condenser unit or problems with the compressor. Meanwhile, cool air from your furnace may point to issues with the ignition system, insufficient fuel or a defective blower motor.

The Furnace or AC Short Cycles

Does your furnace or air conditioner frequently turn on and off before finishing a complete cycle? Commonly called short cycling, this malfunction puts stress on your system and lower efficiency. Sometimes, a defective thermostat will incorrectly read the room temperature and result in the HVAC system starting and stopping unnecessarily. A blocked air filter also might be another cause, because this can restrict airflow and trigger a system stoppage to prevent damage.

Strange Noises Coming from Your HVAC

An HVAC system produces some noise while it’s working, but any sounds you don’t recognize are usually a cause for concern. Rattling noises is a possible sign parts have become dislodged, while loud knocking can point to a damaged or disconnected component. Whirring or grating sounds might signify motor issues, especially if parts are wearing out or malfunctioning. Odd noises rarely go away on their own, so a repair is necessary before things deteriorate more.

Your HVAC System Stinks

It’s troubling when your HVAC system produces a bad smell, but it might also be dangerous. A musty smell could mean mold is flourishing within the ducts or the unit itself. A burning odor may indicate a serious issue like an overheated motor. And a sulfuric odor is the most worrisome because it can indicate a gas leak. In this case, shut down your HVAC system, leave the premises and get into the fresh air. Once you’re outside and safe, reach out to the fire department for immediate support.

Abnormally High Utility Bills

If your energy expenses shoot up but you haven’t altered your usage habits, your HVAC system might be running more than usual to maintain the desired indoor temperature. This frequently occurs as parts deteriorate and the system doesn’t function efficiently. You can mitigate this issue by maintaining your system regularly with routine HVAC maintenance.

The Air in Your Home Is Extremely Humid

A heating and cooling system that operates correctly will manage indoor humidity in addition to controlling the temperature. If your home feels unusually humid or you spot condensation on the windows, your system may not be dehumidifying your property properly. High indoor humidity is unpleasant, promote mold growth, distort wood furnishings and even harm electronics. Frequent culprits for high humidity levels include inadequate air circulation, contaminated evaporator coils or an improperly sized HVAC system.

Leaks or Water Around Your HVAC Unit

Discovering water leaks around your HVAC unit is a indication you might be dealing with coolant escaping or an obstructed drain line. A refrigerant leak decreases cooling power and may cause the evaporator coil to freeze up, which creates a pool of water when the ice thaws. Similarly, a clogged drain line causes water damage if not promptly fixed.

How to Choose Between HVAC Repair or Replacement

If you see that your HVAC system needs some TLC, but how can you determine 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 function for approximately 10 to 15 years with routine upkeep. If your unit is approaching or has passed this age, it may be running on borrowed time. Older systems are less efficient and more expensive to repair due to obsolete parts, so contemplate upgrading to a new, energy-efficient model to lower utility bills and pay for fewer future repairs.

• The HVAC system in your home breaks down frequently: If you’re constantly scheduling heating or air repair, the costs can really add up. Eventually, you’ll need to quit wasting funds on an unreliable system and replace your problematic, old system with a new, energy-efficient one.

• Repair costs are accumulating: If air conditioning or furnace repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, HVAC installation is generally the smarter investment, especially if the system is past its prime.

• Your heating and cooling system just can’t keep your home comfortable anymore: A system that has always struggled to keep your home comfortable may be too small, oversized or improperly configured. A well-chosen new HVAC unit provides better climate control and improves indoor air quality.

Contact Freedom Heating & Cooling for Local Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing in

The team at Freedom Heating & Cooling is focused on providing comfort with every visit. Our licensed, skilled HVAC technicians provide reliable solutions protected by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied with our service, we’ll work to make it right.

 Call 205-537-9830 today to arrange your next HVAC repair or replacement in with Freedom Heating & Cooling!