The earlier you catch a problem, the better. Homeowners in Fayetteville, North Carolina, however, may not be aware of the problems lurking in their homes. Learn how to spot HVAC problems, and you’ll be able to snuff them out before they cost you in comfort and cash.
Strange Smells and Sounds
You always cringe when you hear something in your vehicle’s engine rattling, and you should have the same reaction when you hear strange sounds coming from your HVAC system. A loud scraping sound, for instance, could indicate a broken blower wheel. A whining sound may lead you to a worn or broken belt. Any kind of bangs, thumps, and rattles should have you on the phone calling your local HVAC technician since those loud sounds likely indicate broken components that will continue damaging your system if they aren’t repaired.
You should also keep on the lookout for odd odors originating from your HVAC system. A smell resembling rotten eggs could be a sign of a natural gas leak, while a burning smell could indicate a range of problems. Some strange smells come and go with your HVAC system, but if they last longer than a day, call your technician. If you do smell the rotten eggs of a gas leak, turn off your system, leave the house, and immediately call your gas company.
Dropping HVAC Efficiency and Rising Utility Costs
You can also spot HVAC problems by keeping a close eye on your system’s efficiency and your utility costs. When it’s running as it should, your air conditioner should reliably provide stable temperatures throughout the day. If you suddenly feel too warm despite your thermostat staying at the same setting and your system running, something could be wrong with the unit. That inefficiency, which may not always be as noticeable, can lead to spikes in utility costs.
Your HVAC system is the center of comfort and health in your home, so you need to help it run as it should. To resolve suspicious HVAC problems, call Cape Fear Air Conditioning, Heating & Electrical Company, Inc. at 910-216-9394.
Image provided by Shutterstock