If you don’t maintain your HVAC system regularly, the utility bills for your Charleston, South Carolina, home will be higher. You could also be faced with an expensive, inconvenient breakdown, and you might even have to prematurely replace your heater or air conditioner. Some of the most common signs that your system needs maintenance are an uncomfortable home, a strange smell, and ice or frost on your HVAC unit.
An Uncomfortable Home
You should contact a professional to maintain or repair your HVAC system if some rooms or areas are always too hot or too cold or your home takes a long time to get to a comfortable temperature. Your system could stop heating or cooling properly even if the fan is working. You may have clogged or leaky ductwork, a malfunctioning thermostat, an undersized unit, or a more serious problem.
A Strange Smell
When you start your furnace for the first time in fall, it usually gives off an odor like something is burning. If the odor lasts for more than a few hours or you are certain something is burning, turn off your furnace and have it maintained. If you smell gas, you should also leave your home and call your utility company or fire department.
Mold causes a musty, stale smell, and it can make allergies and asthma worse. It can grow in ductwork, insulation, carpeting, drywall, and more. It thrives in high humidity, so it could be a sign that your HVAC system isn’t taking enough moisture out of the air.
Ice or Frost on Your HVAC Unit
Ice or frost on your air conditioner or heat pump could result from blocked airflow. You will see higher your utility bills and eventually your system could be seriously damaged if the problem is not addressed in good time. Ice buildup often results from low refrigerant levels, a dirty evaporator coil, or another problem. If you see ice or frost, turn off your HVAC unit and contact a professional. Don’t try to remove the ice because you could damage the system.
Berkeley Heating & Air Conditioning has over 50 years of HVAC experience. We can install, maintain, and repair a variety of equipment. Just call us anytime at (843) 277-6030 for expert service.
Image provided by Shutterstock
