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Everyone relies on their HVAC system throughout the year to cool their home down during a heatwave, well-heated during the winter, and to maintain high indoor air quality – whether they realize it or not. 

 

This is exactly why issues with your HVAC system can make you incredibly uncomfortable as soon as something goes wrong. It can cause your sleep quality to drop, increase asthma or allergies, and even worsen your productivity, among many other effects. 

 

The good news is that you can do something about it. 

 

In this blog, we’re uncovering the signs you may require emergency HVAC repairs, what you can do in regards to maintenance to help prevent the need for emergency repairs, and above all, when you should pick up the phone and call an HVAC technician. 

 

Do not hesitate to reach out for any of your HVAC needs, including 24/7 HVAC repairs. Our experienced team of HVAC technicians is one phone call or email away, so don’t be afraid to reach out. 

 

 

Signs You Need Emergency HVAC Repairs 

Of course, even with the best routine HVAC maintenance and care, some homeowners may still encounter issues that indicate an emergency HVAC repairs is necessary. Here are some of the signs you should be on the lookout for with your own HVAC system: 

 

Loud Noises 

You may experience loud or unusual noises coming from your HVAC system for several reasons, including: 

 

• a loose fan belt,  
• extremely high pressure in compressor,  
• broken blower motor, and  
• worn-out bearings. 

 

If the noise coming from your HVAC system can be described as a loud screeching sound, it is important that you turn off your system immediately. 

 

Unusual Odors 

Unusual odors can emanate from your HVAC system for a number of reasons – it all depends on what the odor smells like. Here are some examples of unusual odors to watch out for: 

 

• Foul Smells: There may be debris, dead animals, or another object in your HVAC system that shouldn’t be there. 
• Musty Odors: You may have mold in your HVAC, so examine the whole system, paying particular attention to the drain pan and evaporator coil.  
• Gas: Immediately shut the whole system down. 
• Burning Smell: If you haven’t used your HVAC system in a while, there may be a strong burning smell when you start it up again. If the system runs smoothly and the smell dissipates in a few minutes, it was likely residue from the motor. If it does not disappear, immediately turn your HVAC system off. 

 

Spike in Electricity Bills 

A spike in your electricity bills can indicate your HVAC system is working inefficiently and may be in need of repairs. If you notice this sign: 

 

• Check for and seal any drafts around your windows and doors. 
• Examine your ductwork for leaks and seal any you find. 
• Upgrade to a programmable thermostat and choose an energy-efficient temperature setting. 
• Observe your HVAC system for longer runtimes or any unusual patterns in its use.

 

In some instances, higher than normal electricity bills may indicate a wiring issue with your HVAC system. 

 

AC Unit Icing 

Seeing ice build on your AC unit can be quite startling, especially during hot summers. AC unit icing can occur if the refrigerant flowing through your unit, causing the evaporator coil to freeze and subsequently, moisture in the air surrounding the unit to freeze. The cause of this most often a Freon leak – this issue is quite dangerous and can affect your health. 

 

Cold or Hot House 

If your home is too hot or too cold for the season you’re in, it can indicate an issue with your furnace or AC unit. Some common fixes include: 

 

• changing the thermostat battery,  
• checking the thermostat settings,  
• replacing the air filter, and  
• verifying the power is on. 

 

If these do not work, it is time to shut the HVAC system down. 

 

 

Leverage Routine HVAC Maintenance to Reduce Emergency Repairs 

It is of the utmost importance to engage in the routine maintenance of your HVAC system. Doing so provides many benefits, including extending the useful life of the HVAC system itself, maximizing the system’s energy efficiency, and even offering reductions in your utility bills. Routine HVAC maintenance also decreases the risk of needing emergency HVAC repair. 

 

For instance, you should check your air filter regularly, as a dirty air filter can reduce airflow throughout your HVAC system, impeding its efficiency and potentially causing it to overheat. Air filters typically need to be replaced every 45 to 90 days. 

 

 

The most effective routine HVAC maintenance often groups the tasks according to seasonality. In other words, it means setting the schedule for maintenance based on the seasons of the year. This maximizes the effectiveness of the maintenance tasks themselves, including through minimizing the chances of forgetting to conduct the maintenance. 

 

Summer Maintenance 

In the summer, some of the HVAC maintenance that should be performed includes: 

 

• Check the Condenser Unit: Checking the condenser unit before summer is in full swing can reveal lots of debris such as dirt and leaves caught in the unit. The condenser coils are a key element that often needs cleaning. This can be done with a vacuum attachment, though they are fragile parts. As such, a licensed technician should be called. 
• Monitor Your Thermostat: In order to have a well-maintained HVAC system, you need to have a functioning thermostat. Monitor our thermostat and ensure it is calibrated according to summer settings. If you find yourself reaching to adjust it frequently, you may need to install a new one. 
• Clean the Drain: If your unit is one with a drain, it is important to check on it in the summer and ensure the drain remains clear. This may require the use of a vacuum or rag – and be sure to clean up excess water if your find any. 

 

Fall Maintenance 

Some of the HVAC maintenance that should be performed in the fall includes: 

 

• Keep Unit Free of Debris: Debris like sticks, dirt, and leaves can build up in or around your HVAC system to a great degree at the end of summer and throughout the fall. Thus, regularly cleaning around your HVAC system can help minimize the debris that gets inside. It also provides easier access for HVAC technicians to conduct inspections and repairs. 
• Adjust Your Thermostat: Since the weather is cooling off, it is important to readjust your thermostat to heat your home rather than cool it down. 
• Schedule HVAC Inspection and Repairs: The fall is the perfect time for your annual HVAC inspection. You should also schedule any necessary HVAC repairs and have them completed before the winter sets in. Many homeowners forget, making the cooler months in the winter the busiest time of year for HVAC professionals – and therefore, the wait for repairs is longer. 

 

Winter Maintenance 

In the winter, common HVAC maintenance includes: 

 

• Schedule Furnace Tune-Up: If you haven’t done so already, it is worth scheduling a furnace tune-up to ensure your heating system will work optimally when heating your home throughout the coldest months of the year. Pay attention to the age of your system too – as it gets older it will get less efficient, though a well-maintained furnace can last up to 15 years. 
• Cover Outdoor Components: If you have an outdoor AC unit or similar elements, be sure to cover them appropriately before winter truly hits to ensure they do not get damaged from the harsh weather. 
• Fix Door and Window Drafts: Drafts, which often come from doors and windows, often cause heating systems to work overtime to compensate for the cold air seeping in. Thus, checking for and fixing any drafts for the winter is vital. Shrink film is especially useful for sealing up drafty windows. 

 

Spring Maintenance 

Common spring HVAC maintenance includes: 

 

• Uncover and Clear Around AC Unit: Spring is the time to take the cover off your outdoor AC unit and start preparing for the summer. You should also be sure to regularly mow the grass around your AC unit throughout the spring to reduce how much debris gets into the unit and help prepare for any technician appointments. 
• Check Refrigerant: Air conditioners use refrigerant throughout the summer to help efficiently cool your home. Checking on the refrigerant and refilling it if low before the summer ensures your AC will cool your home as efficiently as possible. 
• Clean Air Ducts: Spring cleaning is the perfect time to inspect and clean your air ducts. Dirty air ducts are the most common reason for broken air conditioners. They can also decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system and increase the potential for health issues.  

 

 

When to Call an HVAC Professional 

Basic troubleshooting can solve many issues with your HVAC system, such as removing dead animals or debris to get rid of a foul smell, tightening loose screws, or changing your air filter. 

 

However, you should be sure to call a technician immediately for: 

 

• Suspected refrigerant leaks 
• Gas or persistent burning smell 
• Screeching noise 
• Electrical issues 
• Sparking wires 
• Repeated alarms for carbon monoxide 
• Any malfunctions you cannot solve through simple troubleshooting 

 

Safety is of the utmost importance when dealing with issues that may require emergency HVAC services or even HVAC preventative maintenance. Calling an experienced HVAC technician ensures your safety and comfort in your home, no matter the issue at hand. 

 

Do not hesitate to reach out for any of your HVAC needs, including 24/7 HVAC repairs. Our experienced team of HVAC technicians is one phone call or email away, so don’t be afraid to reach out.