Scheduling annual tune-ups is a great way to maintain your HVAC system in Santa Rosa, CA. However, if you run your comfort system year-round, it’s most likely going to need some fixing up from time to time. Air conditioners and furnaces accumulate wear and wear through the years, and this stress on your units can cause certain problems to develop. Learn more about the top seven reasons to schedule professional HVAC repair services with KC Home Services.
1. System Makes Odd Noises
Other than a gentle hum, your HVAC appliances should not make any other noises while they operate. So, if you begin hearing strange sounds coming from your AC and/or furnace, it’s wise to set up a repair with experienced technicians.
Rattling occurs whenever there’s a loose part somewhere within the HVAC’s interior. Don’t wait before reporting this issue to our team. The component could eventually break off and hinder the operation of the unit. Rattling sounds could also mean there’s debris within the system, requiring cleaning.
A loud buzzing usually signals an electrical issue; this requires prompt attention as electrical problems can start fires. Hissing means your AC has a refrigerant leak that only a certified technician can investigate and resolve. If you hear a booming coming from your furnace, it could indicate an issue with the gas combustion process. Other sounds for which you should make repair appointments include whistling, constant clicking, and popping.
2. You Smell Foul Odors
You can’t smell natural gas, so utility companies add a “rotten egg” smell to alert homeowners to the possibility of a gas leak. Due to the seriousness of a gas leak, reach out to KC Home Services as soon as possible if you think you have one. We’ll work hard to resolve the problem as soon as we can.
Burning signifies an electrical problem. You could have a burned-out motor or frayed wiring somewhere inside the HVAC. Moisture buildup can eventually cause the growth of mold. After a while, you’ll start noticing a mustiness coming from your HVAC. It’s not only unpleasant having to breathe in a musty odor on a daily basis, but the mold can also make you sick if you breathe it in.
3. Energy Bills Too High
If you use your air conditioner and heater at about the same rates each summer and winter, respectively, then you should know about how much you pay for your monthly utility bills. Therefore, any noticeable difference in how much you end up paying will definitely stand out.
It’s understandable if you have to use you AC more during heat waves or your furnace more during cold snaps. Outside of this, a sharp increase in your utility costs means there’s an issue with your HVAC system. Your thermostat might not be at the proper calibration, or your ducts might have too much debris accumulation. These are just some signs of system inefficiency. When you call us out to your home in Santa Rosa, we’ll perform an extensive inspection of your HVAC to try and figure out the problem.
4. System Keeps Short Cycling
During a normal cooling or heating cycle, your AC or heater will run its cycle and then stop when it reaches the temperature on the thermostat. When your HVAC starts and stops more than usual, or it shuts off before it reaches the thermostat setting, this is a problem called short cycling.
There’s not one issue that causes short cycling, so the problem requires the training and experience of a professional. An improperly calibrated thermostat could cause this as can damaged internal components like sensors. A constantly short cycling HVAC will put more strain on it and drive up your energy bills, so it behooves you to set up repair service to address the issue.
5. Indoor Airflow Is Poor
Much of the time, the problem of poor airflow is the result of a clogged air filter. If you check the filter and see it’s clogged up with dirt, simply clean it or replace it with a new one. However, if you still have airflow problems even after changing the filter, the culprit may lie with the blower motor. While you can replace the filter yourself, you’ll need a technician to inspect and repair the motor, or other internal parts.
6. Temperatures Not Consistent
You expect your air conditioner to blow out cold air and your furnace to put out warm air. If the exact opposite happens for one unit of your HVAC, or both, then it’s necessary to involve an expert to assess the system and diagnose the cause.
Sometimes, it’s an issue with leaky ducts. When there’s a ductwork leak within your system, the cool or warm air won’t be able to reach some parts of your home. This usually explains why you might notice some rooms colder or warmer than others. Due to the leak, you won’t get temperature consistency throughout your home. KC Home Services can inspect your ductwork and determine if there is a leak somewhere.
7. You’ve Experienced an Emergency
While all the issues mentioned here require servicing, some are more severe than others. Though you should never ignore any signs of HVAC trouble, as doing so will only make issues worse, not all problems are emergencies. When you do have an emergency at your home, though, it’s imperative to get help right away.
Air conditioner coolant leaks are serious and need expert attention. Note that you should never attempt to look into if your AC has a refrigerant leak. Coolant is a hazardous substance and can cause health issues when exposed to it. Technicians have the proper training and certification to handle refrigerant, so always trust in a pro for a resolution.
A complete system breakdown is another emergency. There are any number of reasons why an HVAC system might stop functioning entirely, ranging from old age, lack of maintenance, and dirty air filters. If your system does unfortunately break down, we will do our best to figure out the approximate cause. If we can repair the system, we will, but in some cases, you might be better off with a replacement. You can trust us to be honest and let you know if we think you should invest in a new installation.
Your Expert HVAC Team
At KC Home Services, we serve Santa Rosa and surrounding communities. Our family-owned and -operated business exhibits values like trustworthiness, reliability, and a commitment to serve everyone no matter their issue. Opened in 1988, our company has deep roots in the community, and we’re now on three generations of family involvement in the business. We can help you with your cooling repair and heating repair, maintenance, and installation needs. We also offer many plumbing services like drain cleaning, drain camera inspection, and tankless water heaters. You can also turn to us for indoor air quality tests and smart thermostats.
To schedule your HVAC service at your home in Santa Rosa, give us a call today at KC Home Services.
