Learning About HVAC Equipment

Before winter sets in, you must inspect your HVAC system to ensure your furnace will keep your home warm. Heating difficulties should be addressed early before they get worse and result in costly repairs. If you notice any of these signs, make sure you call an HVAC professional.

Duct Leaks

If your HVAC isn't cooling as it should, the problem may be the ducts. If the HVAC's air ducts are leaking, cooled air will be sucked in these leaks before they reach the rooms in your home. When air isn't circulating correctly, it will overwork your system as it tries to match the settings on the thermostat. The more your system works to compensate for the leak, the more it is subject to wear and tear.

These leaks should be sealed for cool air to return to your home. Sealing the ducts is not a DIY task that you can do with duct tape. A professional HVAC contractor needs to test the ducts to determine the source of the leak.

Abnormal Odor

You need to pay attention to the odor emitted by your heating system. Ignoring the smell can lead to severe problems later. For example, the electrical components inside the system may get damaged. Also, when the heating system is inactive for some time, it accumulates debris and dirt. This may be the cause of the foul smell.

Another possibility is the fuel you use to operate your furnace. The odor may be a sign of a severe leak. Call an HVAC technician immediately if you smell a foul odor after turning on your heating unit.

The Air Blowing From the Furnace

Your heating system should blow warm air. You should be alarmed if you realize it is blowing lukewarm or cold air. The issue may be caused by a faulty air filter. In some cases, the problem originates from the ductwork or thermostat. Make sure you report any irregularities with the air blowing from the furnace.

Short Cycling

If your heating system goes on or off, this problem is referred to as short cycling. This issue causes your HVAC to strain to adjust to the temperature settings of your thermostat.

Some signs of short cycling include high energy bills and malfunctioning components. If you buy a heating system that is too large for your household, you may experience short cycling problems. In this case, purchasing a new unit will resolve the issue. In some cases, the cause of short cycling is dirty or worn-out air filters.

Call an HVAC technician to learn more about heating repair.