How can you tell if your air ducts need HVAC repair work performed on them? By keeping an eye out for the warning signs of HVAC damage.
Albert Air, your local HVAC contractor, lists the signs your HVAC system needs repairs in this post.
Noisy Air Ducts
Strange sounds coming from the air ducts are always a cause for concern. The culprits behind grinding or squealing noises could be a dislodged belt or motor or broken motor bearings. Of course, the only way to find out the root cause of these strange noises is to have a technician from an air conditioning service company inspect your unit.
Strange Odors Coming From the HVAC Ducts
If there’s a musty smell coming from the HVAC ducts, there’s a good chance mold or mildew is growing in your air ducts. Mold and mildew need to be removed from the ducts as soon as possible, as mold spores can aggravate respiratory conditions, not to mention mold can quickly affect other parts of your home.
If, however, you notice a burning smell, turn your HVAC system off and call an HVAC repair technician immediately. Burning smells usually indicate a problem with the electrical wiring or overheating components, which if left unattended can start a fire.
The Build-Up of Dust in the Air Ducts
If you notice there’s a significant drop in indoor air quality even though the air filter is working fine, dust may have built up in the air ducts. Normally, the air filter will prevent dust and small airborne debris from entering the HVAC ducts. However, if the ducts were damaged, dust and other airborne particles can infiltrate your HVAC unit’s ductwork without having to go through the filter.
Uneven Cooling or Heating
Hot or cold spots in your home are a sign your HVAC unit isn’t as efficient as it could be. Several factors can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC unit. For instance, something could be hampering the airflow in your HVAC system’s ductwork, or maybe there’s a malfunctioning component. Either way, the only way to find out is to schedule an inspection with your local HVAC and air conditioning service company.
Maintenance Issues: Low Levels of Refrigerant
One likely reason why there’s uneven cooling or heating in your home is that your AC unit is low on refrigerant. The majority of standard HVAC models use a fluid-based heat exchanger that relies on refrigerant to cool the air. Refrigerant is compressed by a compressor and diverted to the condensers, which absorb heat. A fan then removes excess heat from the condensers, producing warm air which is then expelled through the outside HVAC unit. Gas is then allowed to evaporate in another set of coils called the evaporator. As the gas evaporates, it cools the surrounding air, which is then distributed throughout your home through the HVAC system’s ductwork. The gas is then dried out by a receiver and diverted to the compressor to start the cycle again.
However, if some of the components or tubes have suffered damage, refrigerant might leak. That’s why homeowners who’ve been searching online for “air conditioning repair near me” should hire someone to conduct a routine inspection.
Higher Energy Bills
Some homeowners might argue that they can simply lower the thermostat to make up for the unit’s inefficiency. The problem with this is that your HVAC unit will have to consume more electricity than necessary to keep indoor temperatures at a comfortable level, most likely raising your electricity bill in the process. If you notice a spike in your bill despite not using your HVAC system more frequently, it’d be a good idea to schedule an HVAC inspection.
Have you been searching for HVAC companies specializing in “air conditioning repair near me“? Albert Air, a company with nearly four decades of experience, offers a wide range of professional HVAC services. To request a free estimate, call us at (714) 278-4185 or fill out this form.
