Most people have no idea that something is wrong with their heating, air conditioning or ventilation system until it stops working, but there are a few warnings signs you may notice. In some cases, you can handle the problem yourself, but most people prefer to hire someone to handle any HVAC repair to ensure that things get fixed correctly the first time. It should also be noted that heating and cooling systems should last for many years and be reliable if maintained properly.
The Warning Signs
In most cases, you may not notice any problems or may not register that it could be a problem. However, if you do notice that your home isn’t as warm or as cool as it used to be, that could be a sign of problems or potential problems. Other issues can include wailing sounds, frozen coils, leaks and others.
Wailing
Most people rarely venture outside in the heat, but if you do hear a wailing noise, it could be the motor. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can shut off power to the air or heater, grab the motor’s shaft and pull slightly. If you have more than a 1/8-inch gap, a new motor may be necessary. While you can perform the test yourself, you should call an HVAC repair company to come out, assess the problem and determine a solution.
Leaks
If you see water coming out of your system from the inside, you have a leak somewhere and should contact a professional for help in locating the leak and repairing it. Leaks that aren’t fixed promptly can cause structural damage to the home and could lead to mildew or mold growth, which can be deadly. As with almost any problem, the cause can be something similar, such as a condensation pan, or something more serious.
Frozen Coils
A frozen coil can happen to anyone and stops the unit from working because air and coolant can’t pass freely through the system. If you notice this happening frequently, you may need to replace the filter more often and remove outside debris from the unit, such as grass, weeds and toys. Again, it is best to call a professional to unfreeze the coils rather than doing it yourself.
Call In The Professional
Unless it is a simple fix, such as replacing a filter, you may be better off calling an HVAC repair company or contractor. They’ve seen it all before and know how to deal with it better than you.
