5 Signs that Your HVAC Unit May Be in Trouble
From beating the summer’s heat to keeping us warm when it’s chilly outside, our HVAC systems are one of the hardest working appliances in our homes. Are you aware of the specific issues you need to be looking for with your HVAC system? HVACs don’t last forever, so you should know common tell-tale signs of wear and tear so you can be prepared to take action.
Here are some of the most concerning issues you need to look out for:
High Energy Bills
One of the first signs that indicate issues with your HVAC system is a drastic increase in your energy bills. When nothing in your daily routine changes, like your usage patterns and weather conditions, yet you notice that your energy bill is higher than usual, your HVAC system might be the culprit. If the higher energy cost is tracked back to your HVAC system, this means that your system is not performing as efficiently as it should be. Sometimes the problem causing higher energy bills is fixable, so contact your local technician before you trash your unit.
Unusual Odors
Air coming out of your HVAC’s vents should always be crisp and clean. If you smell an unpleasant odor emanating from your HVAC unit, it is a tell-tale sign that something is wrong with your system. Mustiness, burning odors, and chemical smells indicate the immediate need for repair or even replacement. Be very careful with these smells as some chemicals could be dangerous.
Odd Noises
A well-maintained HVAC system typically operates quietly, buzzing to itself in the background. But if your system starts making loud and disturbing noises, like squeaking, banging, and clanging, this means that your unit needs maintenance or repair.
Inconsistent Air Distribution
If the temperature of your home is the same throughout all parts of your home, your HVAC is running smoothly. However, the uneven temperature in some rooms or areas of your home could be a sign that your HVAC system is not performing efficiently.
Puddles and Condensation
There shouldn’t be any pool of water around your HVAC system, as a puddle is a sure-fire sign that something is leaking or your drain line is clogged. Moisture from your HVAC that should be draining outside is backing up and leaking into your home. This leakage can have a hazardous effect on your home and also shows that there’s probably a faulty part in your HVAC unit.
Ignoring these HVAC trouble signs can incur higher repair or replacement costs. That’s why it is advisable to address the situation at an early stage, which in the end could save you both money and time.
Indoor Air Pollutants and Sources
Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs in rock and soil. Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur after asbestos-containing materials are disturbed by cutting, sanding, or other remodeling activities. Improper attempts to remove these materials can release asbestos fibers into the air in homes, increasing asbestos levels and endangering people living in those homes.
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Biological Pollutants
Biological contaminants include bacteria, viruses, animal dander, cat saliva, house dust, cockroaches, mites, and pollen. By controlling the relative humidity level in a home, the growth of some sources of biologicals can be minimized.
Standing water, water-damaged materials or wet surfaces also serve as a breeding ground for molds, mildews, bacteria, and insects.
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Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste, or smell, it can kill you before you even know it’s in your home. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, health, and the concentration and length of exposure.
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Formaldehyde/ Pressed Wood Products
Formaldehyde is an important chemical used widely to manufacture building materials and numerous household products. It is also a by-product of combustion and certain other natural processes. Therefore, it must be heavily concentrated both indoors and outdoors for safe utilization.
Lead
While lead has been recognized as a harmful environmental pollutant for a long time, it is particularly dangerous for what it can do to a child’s growing brain and nervous system. Before its dangers became apparent, lead was used in paint, gasoline, water pipes, and many other products.
Nitrogen Dioxide
The two most prevalent oxides in nitrogen are nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide. Both of which are toxic gases with nitrogen dioxide being a highly reactive oxidant and corrosive.
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Pesticides
Pesticides are inherently toxic chemicals that are used to kill or control pests which include bacteria, fungi, and other organisms, in addition to insects and rodents.
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- Products used to kill household pests (insecticides, termiticides, and disinfectants)
- Products used on lawns or gardens that are tracked inside the house
Radon
Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home typically will trap it inside, where it can build up.
Indoor Particulate Matter (PM or Particle Pollution)
Particulate matter is a complex mixture of solid and/or liquid particles suspended in the air. Once inhaled, these particles can affect the heart, and lungs, and may cause serious health effects.
Secondhand Smoke/ Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Secondhand smoke is a mixture of the smoke given off by the burning of tobacco given off by burning tobacco products. Secondhand smoke exposure commonly occurs indoors, particularly in homes and cars. It can move between rooms of a home and between apartment units.
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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile organic compounds are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids and include a variety of chemicals.
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Reduce Indoor Air Pollution with HVAC Technology
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the concentration of some air pollutants is often two to five times higher indoors than the concentration levels outdoors. Fortunately, HVAC technology offers a number of ways to prevent air pollution and improve indoor air quality.
- Combat Indoor Air Pollution with Air Purification Technology
- Prevent Indoor Air Pollution with Good Ventilation Design
- Use Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) for Humidity (and Temperature) Control
- Consider Increasing Filtration
- Clean the Ductwork to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
- Bring in a Professional for Mold Remediation
- Stay On Top of Air Quality with Routine HVAC Maintenance
Your HVAC system does more than regulate your home’s temperature. It can also positively or negatively influence your indoor air quality. All forced-air HVAC units need air filters that keep the parts inside the air handler clean, but if dust and debris get stuck inside, they could travel into your home.
Addressing air quality goes beyond cleaning and replacing filters. You must clean your air ducts and other associated components. However, the most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate individual sources of pollution or reduce their emissions. Some sources can be sealed or enclosed. Others can be adjusted to decrease the number of emissions.