You wouldn’t be able to survive a Florida summer without your air conditioning system. Also, you probably expect it to keep you cool without you ever having to think about it. Don’t make the mistake of keeping it entirely out of sight and out of mind, though. If you’ve noticed any of the following signs, it may be time to stop neglecting your HVAC system and schedule a maintenance check.
Your Energy Bills are Increasing
It seems like electric rates go up every year. However, don’t fall into the trap of placing all of the blame for your higher bills on the electric company. Even a small, unnoticed problem with your HVAC system can drastically cut its efficiency and send your bills skyrocketing. Compare your electricity usage against previous years, ask neighbors what their bills are like and ask the power company for average bills in your area.
You Have Hot or Cold Rooms
When a heating or cooling system is installed, it is carefully balanced to ensure that there is even air flow to all rooms. Even if a room is far away from the central HVAC unit or it gets a lot of sun, the ventilation system should be designed to account for this. If a room is too hot or too cold, it could be a sign of a blocked or leaky duct or a faulty central blower fan.
You’re Hearing Noises
HVAC systems produce a hum when they run—and some are louder than others. However, no system should be making banging, clanking, rattling or grinding noises. There are simply no parts that can make these types of noises when operating normally. If you hear this type of noise, have it checked out as soon as possible to prevent even more expensive damage.
It’s Been a While Since Your Last Check
Sometimes, you may feel hot or cold air coming out and think your HVAC system is running perfectly even though it isn’t. You may be slowly losing efficiency, have a refrigerant leak or have electrical connections that are going bad. An annual checkup can solve a small problem with a cheap repair and keep you from finding out later that you need thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you want to keep your HVAC system in top shape while saving money, check out our planned maintenance agreements.
