As the temperatures soar and the sun re-emerges in Toronto, the last thing you want is a broken HVAC unit. With summer around the corner, you’ll want to make sure your air conditioning unit is up to the task of meeting your cooling needs throughout the season. Stay on top of your home’s comfort and safety needs by looking out for the below five HVAC repair issues.
1. Soaring Energy Bills
Is your energy bill rising significantly despite little to no change in your cooling needs? If yes, it could mean that your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit is not running optimally.
A routine inspection by a qualified technician can reveal underlying problems that could save you money in future utility and repair bills. It’s advisable to bring in a technician for an inspection and possible HVAC repair whenever you notice unusual spikes in your electricity bill.
2. A Broken or Non-Functional Thermostat
A compromised HVAC thermostat can affect your home’s cooling and significantly raise your cooling bills. The thermostat acts as the control and command center of your home’s cooling unit. It sends signals to the air cooling unit on the desired home cooling needs. The thermostat also helps track how well your AC is functioning.
Common issues that may indicate an inefficient thermostat include:
•If your home feels cooler or warmer than the thermostat reading, it could mean the thermostat is not working correctly.
•If the AC unit runs for short periods before shutting down, it could mean the thermostat is unable to keep track of the AC’s performance.
3. Water Leakage in your AC
Though your AC unit relies on refrigerant to achieve home cooling needs, it should remain dry at all times. Moisture drops or pooling of water around the cooling unit indicate a malfunction in the system.
AC leakage can arise from any of the following factors:
•Dust, fungi, mold, and other debris can clog your AC’s drain line leading to condensation and leakage. Unclog the drain lines by cleaning the ducts using vinegar solution to clear up fungi. Alternatively, you can call in a Toronto duct cleaning expert to unclog your AC’s drain lines or search for the nearest professional near you.
•A clogged air filter can restrict airflow leading to moisture condensation on the evaporator coils.
•A damaged drain pan can also introduce drainage problems leading to condensation around the AC unit.
4. High Humidity and Uneven Home Cooling
Besides cooling, an air conditioning unit is also responsible for moderating humidity levels in your home. If your cooling unit is struggling to keep moisture levels within the desired level, it may be time to call in a technician.
If your unit cannot cool your home evenly, chances are it’s no longer efficient. Schedule an inspection If you notice some parts of the house are warmer than others. The technician will advise you on whether your unit needs recalibration or replacement.
5. Bizzare Smells and Unusual Noise from the AC
A properly functioning AC unit will run smoothly and quietly. If your HVAC unit is producing screeching, whistling, or grinding noises and is generally louder than usual, it could point to a potential mechanical fault in the system.
Properly functioning HVAC units should generally be odor-free. Strange smells from the AC unit could be anything from mold buildup to burnt-out wires in the system.
Bottom line
Identifying minor repair issues on time before they escalate into major problems can save you from a hefty repair bill or replacing the unit altogether. Do not hesitate to call in a specialized HVAC technician if you are experiencing any of the above issues.
