7 Signs Itâs Time to Clean Your HVAC System
By: John Garcia | Date Posted: June 29, 2022
Table of Contents
HVAC systems are used for moving air between indoor and outdoor areas, and itâs used for either heating or cooling. HVAC systems clean and filter indoor air to maintain humidity levels and keep you healthy.
Thatâs why itâs very important to schedule regular maintenance if you want to keep your heating, air conditioning, and ventilating system running its best.
Clean Your HVAC System
Itâs important to call an HVAC professional in your area whenever you notice that your heating, AC, and ventilation systems are malfunctioning.
If you reside in Oakville, Ontario, or the surrounding areas, you can look for an Oakville HVAC service that will provide professional repairs and maintenance.
Read on to learn a few common warning signs that itâs time to clean your HVAC system.
What does an HVAC service fix?
Before you call experts to fix your HVAC system, itâs important to know where to look for problems. Keep in mind that an HVAC service can help you with more than just your furnace, even though cooling, heating, and ventilation are the main areas where you should be checking for warning signs.
HVAC service professionals can also inspect any related areas of your home in addition to checking your furnace, heat pump, ducts, and air conditioning systems. This can include anything from your indoor air quality to your thermostat.
HVAC system warning signs
Changing seasons
Seasonal changes are often the most common situations that lead to AC and heating repairs. When systems that have been sitting unused for some time are suddenly activated for full service, often results in failures. This is especially dangerous when they have unresolved issues from the previous season.
Usually, in fall and spring, you should be thinking about scheduling a maintenance appointment with your local HVAC service. Make sure you get a timely tune-up from your HVAC experts and you wonât have to worry about failures caused by unknown issues within your system.
Insufficient airflow
If you notice poor air flow, it is usually a clear indication that something is wrong with your HVAC system. If youâre not getting enough heating in the winter or cooling in the summer, you should address poor airflow as soon as possible because if you wait too long, it could get worse.
Weak airflow could be caused by a clogged filter, blockage in your ducts, or a faulty motor. AC or furnace repair might be all you need to fix the problem with your HVAC system.
Your HVAC service might also recommend additional solutions, such as AC zoning systems or an energy-recovery ventilator to improve the efficiency of your heating, cooling, and ventilation system.
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ)
Changes in your indoor air quality or low IAQ could indicate problems with your HVAC system. Look for any increase in dust or cold-like symptoms that may be caused by an increase in pollutants and small allergens.
Heating, cooling, and ventilation systems that need maintenance or repairs can sometimes circulate mildew, dust, and other contaminants. This can be a problem if your system needs new air filters.
In some cases, low IAQ can be caused by other issues including inadequate ventilation, pet dander, seasonal weather effects, and other issues. If you suspect you have IAQ issues, your local HVAC service professionals can test the air and determine the cause of those issues.
They can also recommend the best practices or technology for fixing them. In addition, you may also need an air purifier, or you can simply change your filter.
High heat and humidity
When your AC fails during a heat wave, it can be very frustrating. An HVAC system is responsible for controlling both the humidity and heat inside your home, which makes them very important for comfort during the summer months.
If you live in an area that gets very hot and humid during summer days, youâll need a fully functional and efficient AC unit. If itâs been a while since you got AC maintenance, and you notice a heat wave coming, make sure you schedule an appointment with your local HVAC service right away.
Higher energy bills
When you notice a spike in your energy bills, it means itâs time to inspect your HVAC system and get the problems fixed to keep the costs down. Your bills usually increase because youâre using your system more, or it may be because thereâs a mechanical problem with your cooling or heating unit.
If you checked this but your bills are still high, you should consider cleaning your ductwork. This type of problem could be a big cause of increased energy bills but itâs also possible that your air ducts have sustained cracks, which is why air escapes out of your home. An HVAC expert can inspect the duct and fix the issues so your energy bills can decrease.
Frequent cycling
When your AC or heating system turns on and off constantly, thatâs known as frequent cycling. Constant cycling is a problem that shouldnât be ignored and it should be fixed right away. It can indicate unaddressed problems with your equipment and can continue until those problems are solved.
This means that problems will continue to get worse, and all the time spent constantly cycling can increase the amount of energy you use, which will increase your energy bills. Keep in mind that if you ignore this issue, the cost of fixing that problem will only increase.
Unusual noise
Noise is usually one of the most common warning signs. Most types of HVAC equipment can make a little noise when they run but it shouldnât be worrying.
Continuous disruptive noises or sudden sounds are a clear warning that your HVAC system needs repair.
Note that if you want to avoid costly complications, you should fix them as soon as you notice those unusual noises coming from your cooling and heating unit.
Depending on the type of HVAC equipment, you may hear clanking, loud banging, rattling, squealing, buzzing, or whistling. Keep in mind that each of these sounds is a clear warning that your system needs help.
Final thoughts
There are plenty of clear warning signs that show your HVAC system needs repairs. One of the easiest ways to avoid unnecessary problems is to provide regular maintenance services.
In addition, when you notice something unusual with your cooling and heating unit, you must address the problems right away to avoid further damage and costly repairs.
Inconsistent airflow, noisy air ducts, and unusual smells near the air vents are only a few of the common warning signs you need to pay close attention to, especially when you turn your HVAC system after a long time.
To ensure your HVAC system works perfectly, look for a professional HVAC service to help you with regular repairs and maintenance.
Thank you for reading!
