Four Signs You Need Heating and AC Repair | St. Paul, MN
Every homeowner has needed heating and AC repair at one time or another. These repairs can sometimes be expensive, annoying to deal with, and disruptive to your routine. You can reduce the chances of having a terrible heating and AC repair case on your hands by knowing the warning signs of a failing system. Keep reading for a complete breakdown of the four most common HVAC warning signs.
Unusual Noises
Hearing unusual noises from your air conditioner or your heater is usually a sign you need heating and AC repair. You should view these strange noises as your appliances screaming at you that they need help. It’s essential to know the difference between occasional, odd sounds and noises that indicate a problem. Most furnaces make the occasional strange noise. And air conditioners can often have a low hum. It’s the sudden appearance of strange sounds that are constant that indicates there could be a problem.
For heaters, a buzzing noise could be a sign of an electrical issue. A screech can be an indication of a worn-out belt that is about to break. A banging or popping noises is highly concerning, as it may be a problem that is damaging your heat exchanger.
When it comes to air conditioners, rattling or buzzing noise can be a sign of a loose part. And a grinding or whistling noise can be a sign of a severe issue.
Unusual noises coming from your appliance won’t just go away if you ignore them. When you notice strange noises, be sure to call for heating and AC repair.
Bad Odors
If you notice a terrible smell coming from within your house, it could be a sign of a damaged appliance. Unpleasant odors are a common HVAC issue that indicates you need repairs. If it seems like the foul smell is coming from your air conditioner, a tune-up and cleaning session may solve the problem. You may need to install ultraviolet (UV) lamps in your air conditioner to eliminate microbial growth in the appliance. Duct cleaning can also help to remove smells in your ductwork.
If the smell in the house reminds you of a burning smell, your heater could be the culprit. Check your heater, and if the scent is the strongest in that area, it’s likely a sign you need to repair or replace your heater’s fan. Or, mechanical failures within heaters often give off a smell that is similar to a freshly stricken match.
Whatever the problem is, bad odors in your home shouldn’t be ignored. Not only does it take away from the comfort of your home, but it could also be a sign of a dangerous problem such as a heater breaking down or mold growth. Book a heating and AC repair appointment the minute you notice the smell.
Increased Costs
Have you noticed your utility bills rising, and you’re not sure why? If you’re not increasing your energy usage, it could be a sign that your appliances aren’t operating efficiently anymore.
If you notice that your heater or air conditioner is running non stop instead of cycling properly, it likely needs repairs.
For air conditioners, pollutants and dust collect in the filters, if the AC isn’t regularly maintained. When the filter gets clogged, the air conditioner needs to use more power to reach the correct temperature, which increases costs and wastes energy. This situation can be avoided by cleaning your air conditioner filters often.
A similar situation occurs for your heater. A dirty filter can clog up your furnace and cause it to be less efficient.
Keep an eye out on your utility bills. If you notice that year-over-year they seem to be significantly higher, it might be time to book a heating and AC repair appointment. Or, book a heating and AC repair appointment for regular cleaning to avoid future filter problems.
Water Leaking
It’s likely not a surprise to you that your appliances shouldn’t be leaking. If you ever notice a pool of water around any appliance or device in your home, it’s time to call in for repairs.
Air conditioners use refrigerants to cool your home and can sometimes produce condensation as they operate. But, neither the refrigerate nor the condensation should accumulate and leak into your home. Pooled water is a sure sign that your AC isn’t working properly and needs repair. It’s an issue that should be addressed quickly as leaks can damage your floors, nearby items, and even cause severe structural problems.
If you notice your furnace is leaking, it’s most likely a condensation leak. However, this condensation is routed to a floor drain and shouldn’t be pooling around the heater. If you notice a collection of water, you might have:
- A clogged condensation drain or tubing
- A break in the condensation line
- Issues with the condensate pump
All of these can only be fixed by a professional.
When you see leaking water around your appliances, call for heating and AC repair before the damage gets worse. In some cases, it will be a small repair, but sometimes leaks are a sign you need an appliance replacement.
Blue Ox: Heating and AC Repair in St. Paul, MN
If you’re looking for heating and AC repair in St. Paul, MN, Blue Ox is the top choice. We’ve been serving the St. Paul, MN community for several years and have become the trusted service provider for our quality service. Founded in 2013 by three families, Blue Ox has over 100 years of combined industry experience to offer to our clients. We do services for furnace installation, maintenance, and repair, zone systems, garage heaters, cooling, AC maintenance and repair, heat pumps, ductless systems, thermostats, and air quality.
We are happy to be there whenever our customers need us. Blue Ox provides emergency services so that we can be there day or night. We also offer financial planning, so you don’t have to delay any necessary repairs. Contact us today to book an appointment.
