Holiday HVAC Repair

When you turn on the heat, and nothing happens, it’s a clear sign that your home’s HVAC system needs repair. However, what about a few lesser known signs, like ice formation on the outdoor unit? Is it because of the winter weather, or is there an underlying problem?

Read on for more of Warner Service’s tell-tale signs the HVAC needs servicing:

  • You have a dusty home. If you feel like there's a constant battle between the Swiffer and dust in your home, a dirty system could be the culprit. Excessive dust buildup in the ductwork can carry particles through the conditioned air throughout your home, making it harder for your family to breathe due to poor indoor air quality. This also leads to an inefficient system and a higher energy bill. If you've noticed that your home is dustier than normal, call an HVAC professional for an inspection.

  • The pilot light isn't a steady blue. If your home has a gas furnace, you should plan to periodically check the pilot light. Ideally, it should burn blue to indicate the correct mixture of air and gas as the furnace creates heat. If the pilot light is yellow or orange, it indicates that this mixture is unbalanced, which can lead to the generation of combustible byproducts like carbon monoxide. If you notice that the pilot light is any other color besides a steady blue flame, call a professional for a furnace maintenance check-up.

  • You can see or feel excess moisture. Inefficient heating or cooling causes your home’s humidity levels to skyrocket, leading to condensation that's most noticeable on glass windows, doors and tile flooring. This excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, which is detrimental to your family’s health. To combat this, call the pros at Warner Service.

  • The thermostat is constantly adjusted. If you feel like you're constantly adjusting the thermostat, your home’s system could be at risk. It's most likely that gradual, everyday wear and tear have taken a toll on the system, and maintenance is required. Once the necessary repairs are made, you can easily heat and cool your home to your comfort level.

  • You feel random cool and hot spots. Problems with the central air ducts can lead to random cold and hot spots throughout your home. While you might go to the thermostat for quick answers, it’s best to call a heating and cooling technician for a long-term solution.

  • The air conditioner or heat pump has ice on it. Severe ice formation on outdoor units is a huge problem for homeowners because it causes water damage to the appliance and your property. Ice can be caused by cold weather and snow, or if the unit has poor airflow caused by dust buildup. A refrigerant leak can also cause ice to form on the outside of the appliance, which requires the removal skills of a trained professional.

  • You've had the equipment for awhile. Every 3 to 5 years, homeowners should consider replacing the outdoor condensing unit. Every 5 to 10 years, you should replace the copper refrigerant tubing, evaporator coil, air handler, carbon monoxide detectors, and gas/electric water heaters. For more information, check out our popular blog, A Comprehensive Timeline Of The HVAC In Your Home.

While homeowners should be cautious of adjusting the thermostat too often and feeling random warm spots in your home, not every “off” sign is a call for a full-blown repair. Sometimes, the system needs a little TLC for the change in season. Download our HVAC Maintenance Checklist, so you can decide when to call the pros:

Download Our HVAC Maintenance Checklist