Signs Your HVAC Needs Repair

It’s essential that your HVAC system makes the inside of your home a pleasant place to live, regulates humidity and improves indoor air quality. But like any mechanical device, it may show signs of trouble when it’s starting to fail. Overlooking these signs can cause an emergency breakdown at the worst possible time, which can result in costly repairs. To prevent being taken by surprise, contact a technician from Motta Heating and Air Conditioning for guidance 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 produce warm air in the winter or cool air in the summer, there’s a good chance it’s not functioning properly. Warm air from an AC unit could be a sign of low refrigerant, a blocked condenser unit or compressor issues. Meanwhile, cool air from your furnace may point to issues with the ignition system, the furnace needs more fuel or a faulty blower motor.

The Furnace or Air Conditioner Frequently Turns Off and On

Does your HVAC system frequently turn on and off before finishing a complete cycle? Referred to as short cycling, this malfunction strains your system and decrease efficiency. Sometimes, a defective thermostat will inaccurately measure the room temperature and lead to the HVAC system cycling unnecessarily. A dirty air filter also could be another cause, because this can restrict airflow and trigger a system stoppage to prevent damage.

Odd Noises Coming from Your HVAC

An HVAC system generates some noise while it’s operating, but any sounds you don’t recognize are usually a cause for concern. Loud banging is a possible sign parts have become dislodged, while loud thumps can point to a broken or detached component. Whirring or grating sounds could indicate motor issues, especially if parts are deteriorating or malfunctioning. Odd noises almost never fix themselves, so a repair is necessary before things deteriorate more.

Unpleasant Odors Coming from Your HVAC

It’s never pleasant when your HVAC system makes a bad smell, but it could also be dangerous. A moldy odor could mean mold is flourishing within the ducts or the unit itself. The smell of something burning may indicate a serious issue like a failed motor. And a sulfuric odor is the most concerning because it can point to a gas leak. In this case, power down your HVAC system, go outside and get into the fresh air. Once you’re outside and safe, call the fire department for help.

There’s a Large Jump in Power or Gas Bills

If your utility costs increase dramatically but you haven’t changed your usage habits, your HVAC system might be running more than usual to maintain the desired indoor temperature. This typically takes place as parts wear out and the system doesn’t function efficiently. You can delay this decline by maintaining your system regularly with checkups.

The Air in Your Home Is Extremely Humid

A heating and cooling system that functions properly will manage indoor humidity as well as controlling the temperature. If your home is damp or you spot condensation on the windows, your system might not be dehumidifying your property properly. Excessive moisture in the air can feel uncomfortable, encourage mold growth, distort wood furnishings and even harm electronics. Typical reasons include inadequate air circulation, dirty cooling coils or an too large HVAC system.

Water Around Your Heating or Cooling Unit

Noticing a puddle around your HVAC unit is a indication you could have a refrigerant leak or a blocked drain line. A refrigerant leak reduces cooling power and might result in ice on the evaporator coil, which creates a puddle when the ice melts. Similarly, a stopped up drain line leads to water damage if not quickly resolved.

How to Choose Between HVAC Repair or Replacement

If you notice] any of the above signs, this could {indicate that your HVAC system needs some TLC, but how can you decide if a repair or replacement is best? Here are some points to help you make a choice as to what’s best for your home:

• Your HVAC equipment is aging: Most HVAC systems are good for 10 to 15 years with routine upkeep. If your unit is approaching or has exceeded this age, it may be running on borrowed time. Older systems are less efficient and cost more to repair due to outdated components, so think about upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model to reduce 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. At some point you’ll need to stop throwing good money at it and upgrade your finicky system with a new, energy-efficient one.

• Repair costs are accumulating: If a single repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, HVAC installation is usually the wiser investment, especially if the system is past its prime.

• Your heating and cooling system can’t keep up: A system that has always struggled to keep your home comfortable may be undersized, too large or poorly designed. A well-chosen new HVAC unit offers better climate control and enhances indoor air quality.

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

The team at Motta Heating and Air Conditioning is focused on providing comfort with every visit. Our certified, well-trained HVAC technicians deliver reliable solutions protected by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re in any way disappointed in our service, we’ll work to resolve the problem.

 Call 724-395-7174 today to arrange your next HVAC repair or replacement in with Motta Heating and Air Conditioning!