5 Signs of a Failing HVAC System

Picture this: It’s the dead of winter. Buckets full of snow lie ahead in the forecast. No one’s going anywhere once the storm hits.

You manage to maintain your electricity, but there’s a casualty. Your HVAC system, already old and worn, couldn’t take the extra strain of heating the home despite the outside cold.

Winter is prime time for an HVAC breakdown, especially when your system has some age on it. Don’t let this happen to you. If you notice any of these 5 warning signs of a failing HVAC system, call the professionals right away!

1. Your HVAC System Makes Strange Sounds

Every home makes some strange sounds from time to time, but your HVAC system shouldn’t be contributing to the cacophony. If you turn it on, whether during summer or winter, and it starts clanking, that’s the sign of a serious problem. Other sounds that should raise red flags for any homeowner include rattling, squealing, grinding, and hissing noises.

2. There’s Moisture Where There Shouldn’t Be

This tends to be more of a concern during the summer than the winter, but any time you see moisture in your home outside a bathroom, that’s a problem. If your home feels gross, humid, sticky, and stuffy, then you need to reach out for professional help. The last thing you want is for your humidity problem to turn into a mold problem.

3. Your Home Smells Foul

Now, before you rush to blaming your HVAC, you should check each room of your home to ensure you haven’t left food sitting somewhere. If you haven’t, or the scent is more of a burning, moldy, rotten, or mildew-y smell, then it might be a sign that you need some HVAC maintenance.

4. Inconsistent Temperatures

You can follow all the air conditioning tips in the world, but sometimes, it feels like your home HVAC system puts all of its effort into one room while neglecting another. This isn’t your imagination: It’s a sign that your system is close to dying. This goes double if the airflow surrounding it has become inconsistent in any way.

5. Your Power Bill Skyrockets

Any time a utility bill spikes, whether it’s power, phone, internet, or water, it should raise some eyebrows. Wintertime usually sees increased power expenses, as does summer. However, if the increases seem excessive, or you’ve noticed some other signs of a failing HVAC system, then it’s time to call the pros.

How Long Do HVAC Systems Last?

An HVAC system isn’t something that needs replacement very often, so you may wonder how long HVAC systems last. The average lifespan of most systems is around 15 years. So, if yours is in that neighborhood, it might be time to start shopping for a replacement.

Need More Home Improvement Tips?

Now that you know the warning signs of a failing HVAC system and how long you can expect a new one to last, you may find yourself wanting more maintenance tips and tricks. No worries! Check out our blog daily for the latest and greatest in home improvement information!