Your HVAC system is one part of your home that, when it’s running right, you don’t ever give a second thought. Of course, to keep it up-and-running, you need to give it some special attention throughout the year. Routine maintenance is essential to ensuring that it is functioning properly and that you can rely on it on cold nights or hot days. Here are some signs that your system is in need of a professional’s review.
1. It’s Starting to Smell
A sure sign that your HVAC system is in need of a professional’s inspection is odor. If you are beginning to notice an odor when your HVAC system is running, it could mean a few different things. The worst odors could be produced by mice or another small critter that has found its way into your HVAC system and is living in your vents–or worse, has died in them.
Odors can also be caused by mold or mildew growing in parts of an unmaintained system, which can happen with certain usage patterns and exterior weather conditions. In either case, a professional inspection and cleaning is in order to remove the smell and hopefully restore your system back to a healthy operating condition.
2. Your Power Bill Is Rising
Another symptom of an HVAC system in need of attention is a rising power bill. If your power bill is going up, you may need to think about your system’s efficiency. As systems get older, they are not able to heat or cool as effectively and, therefore, will need to run for more hours throughout the day.
Older systems also use more electricity in general, which is a great reason to upgrade your HVAC system if it is getting past its 10-year mark. With major recent advancements and on-going efficiency improvements, the upgrade could pay for itself in no time. There may even be grants or tax benefits available to help you cover the costs.
You can always get estimates for replacing your HVAC system and compare it to the savings you could experience overtime thanks to the efficiency of the new system. When evaluating your home, an HVAC professional can give you a quote.
3. Air Isn’t Being Evenly Distributed
If you have your HVAC system running and it feels like it’s doing a better job in one room than it is in another, it could be distributing air inefficiently. The solution, of course, is to bring in a professional who can evaluate your system.
They will be able to help you decide if the system is worth repairing or needs to be replaced. Any system that has only minor issues, along with newer and more efficient systems, are typically good candidates for repair. Of course, you’ll need an expert to go through and review your system in order to determine the best course of action.
By doing so, you’ll be able to save yourself time and frustration, while improving your home’s overall comfort and potentially even decreasing your power bill with the implementation of a new, updated HVAC system.
Photo by Henry & Co.
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