When to Call for HVAC Service: Seven Tips from the Pros

It’s crucial that your HVAC system makes sure your home is cozy, manages the humidity and boosts indoor air quality. But like any mechanical device, it may exhibit signs of trouble when it’s starting to fail. Disregarding these signs can lead to an emergency breakdown at the worst possible time, requiring costly repairs. To avoid being taken by surprise, contact a technician from Canyon State Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing for guidance if you observe any of these signs your HVAC system needs attention.

Your HVAC System Barely Heats or Cools the Air

If your heating or cooling system isn’t able to produce warm air in the winter or cool air in the summer, there’s a good chance it’s not functioning properly. Warm air from an air conditioning system could be a sign there is insufficient coolant, a blocked condenser unit or a compressor malfunction. Meanwhile, cool air from your furnace may point to ignition problems, insufficient fuel or a faulty blower motor.

The Furnace or AC Frequently Turns Off and On

Does your HVAC system frequently cycle on and off before running through a complete cycle? Known as short cycling, this problem puts stress on your system and reduce efficiency. Sometimes, a faulty thermostat will inaccurately measure the room temperature and lead to the HVAC system starting and stopping unnecessarily. A dirty air filter also may be another cause, because this can restrict airflow and cause the unit to turn off to prevent damage.

Strange Noises Coming from Your HVAC

An HVAC system makes some noise while it’s operating, but any sounds you don’t recognize are usually red flags. Loud banging might mean parts came loose, while loud thumps can point to a damaged or detached component. Whirring or grating sounds could indicate motor issues, especially if parts are breaking or malfunctioning. Odd noises rarely fix themselves, so a repair is required before things get even worse.

Unpleasant Odors Coming from Your HVAC

It’s never pleasant when your HVAC system makes a bad smell, but it also may be dangerous. A moldy odor could mean mold is growing within the ducts or the unit itself. The smell of something burning might signal a serious issue like a failed motor. And a rotten egg smell is the most worrisome because it can point to a gas leak. In this case, power down your HVAC system, go outside and get into the fresh air. Once you’re outside and safe, reach out to the fire department for help.

Abnormally High Utility Bills

If your electricity or gas bill suddenly spikes but you haven’t changed your usage habits, your HVAC system might be running more than usual to keep your home comfortable. This frequently occurs as parts deteriorate and the system doesn’t function efficiently. You can delay this decline by maintaining your system regularly with routine HVAC maintenance.

Your Home Is Too Humid

An HVAC system that operates correctly will regulate indoor humidity in addition to controlling the temperature. If your home is damp or you observe condensation on the windows, your system may not be dehumidifying your property properly. High indoor humidity is unpleasant, promote mold growth, warp wood furnishings and even harm electronics. Typical reasons include poor airflow, contaminated evaporator coils or an too large HVAC system.

Leaks or Water Around Your HVAC Unit

Discovering a puddle around your HVAC unit is a warning you may be experiencing coolant escaping or a blocked drain line. A refrigerant leak saps your unit’s cooling power and can lead to the evaporator coil freezing up, which creates a puddle when the ice thaws. Similarly, a blocked drain line causes water damage if not promptly fixed.

How to Choose Between HVAC Repair or Replacement

If you be a sign that your HVAC system requires attention, but how can you decide if a repair or replacement is best? Here are some considerations to help you decide what’s best for your home:

• Your HVAC equipment is aging: Most HVAC systems last 10 to 15 years with routine upkeep. If your unit is approaching or has exceeded this age, it could be running on borrowed time. Older systems may be less energy efficient and costlier to repair due to obsolete parts, so consider upgrading to a new, energy-efficient model to reduce utility bills and pay for fewer future repairs.

• The HVAC system in your home often malfunctions: If you’re constantly scheduling heating or air repair, the costs can accumulate rapidly. At some point you’ll need to stop throwing good money at it and swap out your troublesome system with a new, energy-efficient one.

• Repair costs are mounting: If HVAC repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, HVAC installation is usually the wiser investment, especially if the system is several years old.

• Your heating and cooling system just can’t keep your home comfortable anymore: A system that has never really managed to keep your home comfortable may be too small, excessive or improperly configured. A well-chosen new HVAC unit offers better climate control and enhances indoor air quality.

Contact Canyon State Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing for Top-Notch Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing in

The team at Canyon State Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing is dedicated to ensuring comfort with every visit. Our qualified, well-trained HVAC technicians ensure reliable solutions protected by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied with our service, we’ll work to resolve the problem.

 Call 602-649-6304 today to schedule your next HVAC repair or replacement in with Canyon State Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing!