Is your home as warm as it should be during the winter? Is your home as cool as it should be in the summer?

If your home temperature doesn’t feel right, then this could be a signal of potential HVAC problems.

And HVAC problems could be fixed by repair or require replacement. To help, here are some common signs that your HVAC system is struggling. Keep in mind that preventive maintenance is the best way to avoid emergency situations, however, look out for these signs that HVAC problems could persist.

1. Increased Utility Bills

Generally, your monthly utility costs should be about the same each season. There may be some spikes during cold spells in the winter and heat waves in the summer. However, generally homeowners can anticipate their monthly energy bill.

For example, if you notice a change in energy costs in the middle of the winter when you haven’t changed the temperature in your home for months, then you may have a potential HVAC problem.

If you notice a change, especially if the bill is higher than usual, you will want to contact a professional to check on your HVAC system.

2. Sporadic Temperature Changes

If you HVAC system is functioning properly, then your home should remain at a fairly consistent temperature throughout the day. For any issues, homeowners may leverage a programmable thermostat. For example, if you notice your house feels different when you get home from work or feel like your system has been sluggish, call and schedule a professional to come out and have a look at it to determine if an HVAC problem can be repaired or may need to be replaced.

If you are curious about the costs of repair vs replacement, then keep in mind the first step is to determine the value of your system. As a general rule of thumb, if the cost to repair over replacing your HVAC system is LESS than half of its value and you have not had significant costs in repairing or maintaining it in the past, a repair might be easier on your bank account.

3. Leaks and/or Condensation

Leaks from your HVAC may not be the obvious leaks you see from your faucets. These will be more like condensation (dripping can happen). If you see water collecting near vents, under the unit, or from any exhaust ports, turn off the unit and take a look. Also, mold growing near HVAC vents signals that you may have a leak and need to have someone come look at it.

If you see mold, condensation or notice a leak, then contact your trusted HVAC professional to have a look.

4. Unusual Noises from the HVAC System

If you hear a loud scraping sound (like nails on a chalkboard), you may have a common HVAC problem. The blower wheel in the motor shaft may be broken. Loud thumps, humming, and rattling are all indications that there are HVAC problems as well. Loud rumbling may indicate something more serious if your system is gas or oil-fired. In any of these situations, turn off your system and call a professional to help.

5. Odd Odors in Your Home

If there is a strange smell coming from your HVAC system, it probably needs repair. There are a few different smells and each means something different.

• If you smell rotten eggs coming from your HVAC, this could be a sign of a natural gas leak. Do not do anything except turn your HVAC system off and then notify the gas company. Never try to meddle with gas.

• If you smell something burning (like the smell of burning hair or food) coming from your HVAC (and it doesn’t dissipate within a day), then it is a problem and you should contact a professional.

Snappy is one of metro Atlanta’s most reliable HVAC companies, so give us a call today to schedule a tune-up if you have any HVAC problems.