As soon as your air conditioner begins to make strange sounds, it is wise to seek professional assistance immediately. Such noises could signal issues, including clogged air ducts, low refrigerant levels or a malfunctioning motor.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s time to reach out to the pros – you can find great heating and air conditioning experts in Fayetteville.
1. Your HVAC system is noisy
Sounds coming from your HVAC system should never be ignored – they may indicate an issue that needs addressing as soon as possible, with earlier action leading to lower repair costs and better results.
Rattling noises usually indicate loose or worn-out components that need replacing, or hissing noises indicate refrigerant lines or internal valve leaks that require immediate professional attention.
Squealing noises in an HVAC unit may indicate either that its fan belt needs replacing or its motor has overheated. While you can lubricate it to temporarily address this problem, for best results, you should contact an experienced HVAC technician immediately in order to protect both yourself and prevent further damage.
A steady buzzing noise could be a telltale sign that your system’s electrical contacts have become compromised, which may result in exposed, hot wires that pose a fire hazard and need immediate correction. If the buzzing is particularly loud, it could indicate that its compressor contactor has failed and electricity cannot flow into it as intended.
2. Your airflow is insufficient
If some rooms in your home don’t seem to get cold or are getting less heat than others, this could be a telltale sign of poor airflow and prompt an HVAC inspection. Airflow issues could stem from dirty filters, improper system sizing or leakage issues in ductwork leakage causing airflow issues.
An effective furnace requires clean air filters to operate efficiently. Filters that become dirty can clog easily or decrease airflow through your house. A professional can assist in selecting one with an adequate Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating.
Leaky ductwork can significantly restrict airflow throughout your home, particularly in rooms located far from your HVAC unit. This is an increasingly prevalent issue that is easily remedied with some straightforward DIY fixes.
Your HVAC system’s blower fan is responsible for moving conditioned air through your ducts and into each space in your house. However, its performance may become impaired if covered in grime – regularly cleaning your blower fan can help combat this problem.
3. Your energy bill is high
No one enjoys seeing an unexpected jump in their electric bill, which could be an indication that energy is being misused – such as leaving lights or appliances running when no one is home or using energy-wasting appliances like dishwashers and ovens that consume more power than expected. You could also be paying too much due to changing rates.
An HVAC technician can conduct maintenance checks to ensure your system operates optimally. They’ll look out for signs such as voltage fluctuation, refrigerant levels dropping below desired levels or airflow issues preventing potential future headaches that could add up quickly over time.
Insulating your home is another surefire way to cut costs and save money. New windows, insulated attic spaces and electrical outlet seals can all help stop air from escaping through windows and doorways, forcing HVAC units to work harder;
Turning off lights and ceiling fans when not in a room can also lower electricity bills, while adding a smart thermostat may further help bring down costs.
4. Your furnace doesn’t turn on
If your furnace isn’t turning on, this could indicate one of several issues. First, double-check that its circuit breaker hasn’t been switched off by accident; if so, flip it back on. Otherwise, it could also be because your thermostat isn’t sending the appropriate signal, or there may be something amiss with its pilot light or heat exchanger that needs attention.
Check the power switch of your furnace, located near its unit and similar to a light switch, to make sure it’s on and not turned off.
Finally, using a multimeter, you can also test the limit switch of your furnace to ensure it’s operating correctly. This mechanical component prevents the gas valve from opening if flames are detected; it may stop functioning for various reasons and must function for it to do its job effectively.
If your multimeter indicates otherwise, seek professional assistance immediately, as this issue could be hazardous if handled incorrectly by you alone.
5. Your air conditioner doesn’t cool
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling as expected, the first thing to check is whether or not it is turned on and that its thermostat has been set correctly. Also, check whether any breaker for its AC unit has tripped.
Rather, there could be something amiss within the system itself. Dirty evaporator coils may prevent heat transfer efficiently and, as such, will fail to keep your home cool enough.
Dirty condenser coils are another common culprit of non-cooling. Condensers are designed to disperse heat outside, but if they become covered in dirt, they won’t be able to do their job effectively, and your home may become overheated. If changing filters or cleaning coils does not address the issue, then professional services may need to be called in for assistance.
