3 Signs That It Is Time To Call An HVAC Repair Specialist

HVAC systems provide a comfortable environment in your Bay Area home by heating or cooling it to exactly the right temperature and providing clean air to breathe. While summer is a sensational time to keep your equipment in dependable working condition, it can also be prime time for catastrophic issues if you neglect to evaluate your unit.

Some HVAC issues are easy to fix and don't lead to recurring mechanical failures, while others can escalate into large and expensive problems. If you don't urgently fix them, your equipment problems could lead to mechanical failures costing thousands of dollars.

Here are 3 warning signs that you should consider calling an HVAC technician:

Temperature Fluctuation

The weather significantly impacts your HVAC system, and when temperatures dip and rise, the thermostat in your house is likely to respond accordingly. But if the temperature in your home feels unusually warm or cold, it could indicate a problem with your AC unit. In addition to the discomfort you might feel, this can also be costly because it forces you to use more energy than necessary.

If you notice that the temperature in your home fluctuates by about 10 degrees throughout the day, and you have checked all the likely culprits (window coverings, doors being left open or closed, etc.), you should contact an AC repair professional right away.

Leaking HVAC System

HVAC systems are designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear but are not immune to breakdowns. The most common reason an AC unit starts leaking water is a malfunctioning condenser or compressor—something has gone wrong with the machine that pumps refrigerant through the system and makes it run.

This can lead to some fairly serious problems if left unattended. Condensers are responsible for dispelling hot air outside, so when they leak, there's a risk of mold and mildew forming around them. As condensers aren't usually meant to be cleaned regularly, cleaning them yourself isn't an option either.

Three-quarters of your AC unit sits outside and is exposed to the elements. The condenser takes in heat and turns it into hot air, which flows into the ducts and through your vents. This part of the system can get dirty or clogged with debris, affecting its longevity and effectiveness. It also has a refrigerant line that carries coolant from the compressor to the condenser, which transfers heat from inside the house to outside. If this line ruptures because of damage or wear, your system will leak and require professional repairs.

Your HVAC is Noisy

If your AC makes strange noises or whistles while running, this could indicate an issue with the blower motor or other parts inside the unit. A loud humming noise from your AC unit could be caused by something as simple as dust buildup on the fan blades. However, if the sound is more of a high-pitched squeal or grinding noise, it could mean something wrong with the motor or some other component inside the unit itself.

You may also hear rattling noises due to fan blades hitting the side of the unit, a loose fan belt, a bad bearing, or even blockage of airflow with leaves or debris. Again, this should be checked out by a skilled AC repair professional immediately

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