Cold winters and hot summers would be unbearable without residential heating and cooling systems. You need your unit to function optimally at all times so that you and your family can be comfortable. That’s why you should know if your unit has any problem so that you can arrange to have it serviced, repaired, or replaced. Here’s how you can find out if your heating and cooling units need to be replaced.
If the unit is blowing hot or cold air which is not aligned with temperature settings
Some older units may continue to produce normal air levels, but they fail to heat or cool the air according to your settings. If your unit fails to produce cool air when you expect it to, it could mean that the refrigerant levels are low. If the unit produces warm air when you expect it to produce cool air, its compressor could be damaged. If you have cold zones in your house, or if the temperature varies in various rooms despite your settings, it could mean that your duct work is slowly degrading. If the unit produces air that’s inconsistently hot, you should inspect the entire system for obstructions.
When your electricity/energy bills are high or increasing
If your energy bill suddenly spikes, it could indicate a serious problem with your unit. Even if the unit seems to be doing everything it’s supposed to, a spike in your electricity bill could mean that the unit is becoming less efficient due to malfunctions within it. Once you notice the spike, you should hire an expert to carry out an energy audit to pinpoint the problem.
It’s emitting strange smells or unusual noises
If you hear any unusual noises from your unit, you should investigate immediately. Little noises could come from loose or clogged components, meaning you need to clean or repair it. However, strange loud noises could indicate more serious problems.
If the unit produces any kind of smell, there is clearly a problem that needs to be addressed straightaway. Bad smells could mean that the insulation is damaged or that there’s mould in the ducts. Mould and mildew can pose a serious risk to your family’ health, so if you’ve got any, get rid of it as fast as possible.
Your unit is short cycling
If your unit tends to turn off randomly or if it has difficulties getting started, it could be malfunctioning. AC units turn on and off in regular cycles to maintain a constant temperature in the house, but if you notice that the cycles are shorter than usual, you should call a technician to have it checked out.
If any of these things are happening to your unit, you should immediately contact Northwest Heating and Cooling. We will assess your unit and determine whether you need to repair, replace or service it.