Climate control systems, otherwise known as HVAC systems, have a nasty habit of breaking down when we least expect them to, whether it be needing hot air in the winter, or cold air in the summer. Thankfully there are dedicated HVAC repair companies out there, but you need to schedule an appointment with them first. But how will you know when it’s time to send in the call? Most folks think you need top of the line HVAC management software or HVACBizPro downloaded on your phone to know when your HVAC is about to bite the dust, but the signs are actually much clearer than that.
#1. Strange smells and/or sounds
A malfunctioning HVAC system will begin to give off an odd odor, which will carry throughout the house as it flows along the ventilation shafts. If the smell is musty, it means mold has gotten into the system. If it’s an electrical scent, it means something is short circuiting. If you’re near where the main system is, you’ll start to hear strange noises coming from the machine. The sounds you want to look out for include whistling, rattling, and metal clanging, among others.
#2. Bad airflow
If you feel like you should be getting more air from your vents, then you should probably check to see if they may be clogged. One way to do this is to simply have you’re A/C blow a bit, then hold your hand over the vent you’re having trouble with. If barely any or no air comes through, then that vent is most likely clogged with something. Other problems that may be causing this include a malfunctioning fan, issues with the thermostat, dirty coils, or an old unit on its last legs.
#3. Allergies
If you have allergies to anything airborne, you may notice that they act up more and more in the event of a faulty HVAC unit. This is because, among other things, the unit filters out organisms in the air that can cause allergic reactions, like pollen. When a unit starts to break down, those organisms get in. So, if your allergies start acting up, check your HVAC unit, it may be time for a tune-up.
The great thing about HVAC units is that, when they break down, they are very good at telling you that they have broken down. Whether it be pungent odors, strange sounds, bad airflow, or causing allergy act-ups, it’s very hard to not notice when your HVAC unit has malfunctioned.
