Find HVAC Near Me: 10 Signs You Need to Call an Expert
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Posted December 6, 2019
If your car acts “funny” you don’t wait to take it to a mechanic, right? Then, why wait to call for help with something is off with your HVAC system? If you are facing this situation, you may wonder, “Do I really need to find service for an HVAC near me?”
While this may not make sense, there are people all over the country who question or put off calling for HVAC repair services when they notice a problem. Some put it off because they don’t have time to wait for a technician to arrive, while others are worried about the high cost of repairs. There are some people who may not even be aware there is an issue, which is especially problematic.
Unfortunately, the longer you wait to call for service, the worse the problem is going to get. The first step in preventing serious HVAC system issues is to know when help is needed.
Is HVAC Service Needed? Find Out Here
There are several indications it is time to call for help from an HVAC service professional. The top signs you need this service are found here.
1. The System Isn’t Producing Cooled or Heated Air
While this may seem obvious, it’s also a sign you can’t ignore. If there’s no heated or cooled air coming out of your HVAC system, repairs are needed.
To be sure if this is the issue, do the following. Turn your system on and stand under the vents to see if you feel any cooled or heated air (depending on what you have the system set for).
If the temperature of the home doesn’t change within a reasonable amount of time, or if the system won’t come on at all, the issue could be a malfunction. There could be a leak in the refrigerant line. It could also be a malfunction with the compressor or a short in the electrical connections.
Regardless of the problem, you need to call for HVAC system repair right away. This issue is going to continue to get worse until it’s repaired.
Pro Tip: Before calling for service, check the unit’s filter. If it needs to be replaced or cleaned, this is an affordable and easy fix.
2. Insufficient Air Flow
If the unit isn’t producing enough airflow, it means the system isn’t working properly or that there’s a blockage that is preventing the air from moving freely through the ducts. A broken motor, clogged air filter, or something more serious may be the cause of the problem.
If you realize that inadequate airflow is a regular occurrence, consider making an investment in an innovative and effective energy-recovery ventilator. It provides the HVAC system with a boost because it exchanges the stale air for fresh air each time the system cycles on and off.
Zoning systems may also be beneficial. This helps ensure you get the right airflow and the proper cooling power where it is needed the most.
3. Strange Sounds Are Coming from the Unit
Have you heard strange sounds coming out of your HVAC system? Do you hear grinding, squealing, squeaking, or other odd noises? If so, repairs are likely imminent.
Even if the unit works properly otherwise, there is still something going on that needs to be checked out. Your HVAC system may need a component tightened or cleaned. Regardless, this is a great warning sign of a unit that’s failing.
If you catch the problem early enough, it can help you save a lot of money. That’s because you can avoid having to pay for extensive repairs for the HVAC system.
4. Frequent Cycling
All HVAC systems should go through relatively routine heating and cooling cycles. This is true regardless of what the weather is like outside.
While your system is probably going to turn off and on more often on the hottest and coldest days, it should not do this constantly. If you begin to notice frequent cycles, it’s a good idea to call the professionals.
Investing in a quick and affordable tune-up for the HVAC system can help resolve the frequent cycling issue. However, it may also be a sign a new unit is needed, so check with the pros to know for sure.
5. Bad Odors Coming from the HVAC System
Sometimes, issues with an HVAC system won’t be seen or heard – they will be smelled. If you notice the air coming out of the vents is musty, the issue could be mold or mildew. There may be mold in the ducts, or you could be dealing with dirty cooling coils or a clogged condensate.
The professionals can come out and clean the HVAC system and find the underlying issue of this smell.
Another odor to be aware of is an electrical smell. This could mean there is a short somewhere in the system that needs to be addressed immediately. If you don’t do this, it could lead to a devastating fire.
6. High Humidity Levels
During the summer and the spring months, you can expect things to feel “sticky” when you go outside. However, that doesn’t mean that you should have to deal with high humidity levels when you are inside. Your HVAC system should be working to regulate the humidity levels inside.
If you have noticed that the HVAC system isn’t keeping moisture levels in a comfortable range, you should call for repairs. A professional technician can quickly diagnose the issue and let you know if the unit needs to be re-calibrated or if you should install a whole-house dehumidifier.
7. A Frozen or Leaking Unit
If you notice any leaking, freezing, or puddling in or near your unit, it’s probably because of a blockage in your condensation line. This is the line that removes condensation that may freeze on the unit’s coils, that could leak out, or that may puddle on the ground.
This could also be an indication of a Freon leak. When a homeowner notices excess water, in any form near their HVAC system, it’s best to call a technician for help. If this problem is caught before it gets bigger, you can save a lot of money.
8. Higher Than Normal Energy Costs
Have you been running your HVAC system relatively the same as you always have? Are you seeing large increases in what you are paying for utilities? If so, this is a warning sign that something is going wrong with the unit.
Typically, this is a sign your unit isn’t operating efficiently and it’s compensating when trying to cool or heat your home. If this happens, you may notice your energy bills increasing – sometimes significantly.
If this happens, it means your system is failing, because of the problem causing the inefficiency or because the mechanical components are burning out because they have to run at such high levels for extended periods of time.
This is another sign you should call for professional repairs.
9. An Old HVAC System
Look at the age of your HVAC system. On average, these units last for 15 to 20 years. If your unit is approaching this age, it may be wearing out because of typical wear and tear.
If you still have a home warranty in place, you may be able to have the HVAC system replaced for a relatively low price. However, if not, you need to find a company that offers financing options.
10. Misfit Unit
Your home’s square footage determines the size HVAC system you need. Unfortunately, this isn’t always considered when a unit is being installed.
If you are concerned your unit is too big or too small for your home, it’s best to have a technician come out and evaluate the situation. Getting a unit that is the right size is going to help ensure your home remains comfortable and that your energy costs don’t increase too much.
Finding the Right HVAC Near Me Service Provider
While knowing the signs that HVAC service is needed is essential, it’s also important to make sure the right company for the job is found and hired. The good news is, this isn’t something you have to guess about.
There are a few tips you can use to feel confident you have found a quality service provider. Keep reading to learn what those tips are.
Ask for Recommendations
When you are searching for a quality HVAC contractor, one of the first things you should do is ask for recommendations from people you know. This includes family members who live in the area, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.
Today, people are reliant on their HVAC system and when it stops working most have one thing in common – they want to restore function right away. As a result, there are likely several people who you know who can give you the name of a service provider in the local area.
While getting recommendations is a great way to begin this search, it’s not the only step to take. You can’t base your decision on the advice of someone else.
Research the Recommended Companies
Once you have a list of three to four companies, it’s a good idea to research more about each one. Find out what type of services they offer (i.e. residential, commercial, industrial, etc.), how long they have been providing services in the local area and other factors that are going to impact the services offered.
It’s a good idea to find out if the company is a member of any professional organization and see what their rating is with the Better Business Bureau. All this is going to help ensure the best company is found.
It’s also smart to look at reviews left for the company online. This can provide a lot of insight into the types of services they offer and if they are a customer-centric company.
Find Out if the Company Has Brand Specific Experience
Another important factor is to consider if the company has any brand-specific experience. For example, are they certified or qualified to work on specific brands of equipment?
Keep in mind, this isn’t an absolute must-have when trying to find a quality service provider. While this is true, it’s a good sign if a company has this brand-specific experience.
Warranties and Guarantees
Before choosing a company, find out what type of warranty or guarantees they offer. This lets you know if they stand behind the work they do and the components they use.
If the company doesn’t have an outlined warranty program, it may be best to seek service from another company. Having someone that is going to stand behind the work that is done is essential to get the superior results that are needed.
Avoid HVAC System Failure by Calling for Repairs in a Timely Manner
If you want to ensure your HVAC system doesn’t fail and leave you without heated or cooled air, know the signs of a problem. The 10 signs here will let you know it is time to call for service.
Also, make sure you find a quality service provider. Our team has several years of experience in the area and can provide you with the HVAC near me services you need to ensure your unit continues operating properly and efficiently for the foreseeable future.
If you need HVAC service or have questions about your unit, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our team can provide you with the quality services you need and we stand behind all the work we do.
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