When you adjust the thermostat in your Lorenzo, Texas, home, you probably expect the system to kick on and start heating or cooling your home. Most homeowners don’t spend a lot of time thinking about their HVAC systems, at least not until something goes wrong. However, surprising warning signs like an increase in dust, strange odors or sounds, or uncomfortable allergy symptoms can all indicate HVAC trouble. Keep an eye out for these signs and bring in a professional to do an inspection if you notice anything concerning.
Strange Smells or Odors
Odd sounds coming from your heating or cooling system can mean you have a more concerning problem. You might hear shuddering, clanking, grinding, or squealing noises, which all indicate some type of problem. Shuddering or clanking sounds might mean that a component has moved out of its normal position, causing it to grind against other pieces or shake and clank as the system runs. Grinding and squealing noises often mean that a part is wearing out and needs replacement. Ignoring a sound could end up costing you more, especially since continuing to run the system would cause further wear and tear on the damaged part.
Unpleasant odors are never fun to deal with, but they nearly always indicate an issue. You might catch a whiff of burning electrical wiring, which can mean that you have a circuit issue or something is sparking where it shouldn’t. Since this odor could indicate an increased risk of a fire, it’s critical to bring in an HVAC technician to carry out an inspection, rather than ignoring it. Another concerning odor is the smell of natural gas, which could mean you have a leak. A gas leak can also increase the risk of a fire, as well as cost you more in energy bills.
If you smell mildew, you could have excess moisture in your ducts, which could allow mold to grow. As the air moves through the system, the mold spores decrease the indoor air quality and can lead to serious allergy symptoms, including headaches, congestion, and a sore throat. It’s best to keep up regular duct cleaning to avoid mold growth and keep the symptoms under control.
Unpleasant Health Symptoms
Another warning sign of an HVAC problem is a sudden increase in allergy symptoms. You might notice that you’re sneezing and coughing more often, or you could wake up in the morning with a sore, dry throat. Other signs include increased congestion, headaches, and itchy, watery eyes. One easy way to tell if you’re suffering from an allergy to something in your indoor air is if the symptoms disappear when you leave home. If you’re allergic to something outside, your symptoms tend to stick around whether you’re home or outside; while indoor allergies are worse when you’re in the house.
An increase in indoor allergies can indicate an HVAC issue, such as mold growth in your system or a buildup of dust or other allergens. Duct cleaning can make a big difference in reducing your symptoms and help you feel better. The service will also improve the quality of the air you breathe, which can help you feel better overall.
More Dust
Dust is normal, but a sharp increase in how much dust accumulates in your home can indicate HVAC problems. The most common problem is excess dust and dirt in your ducts, which moves around as the air circulates. When the system stops running, the dust will settle on tables, countertops, and other surfaces. The movement of dust and debris in the air can also lead to allergies, causing you to feel uncomfortable in your home.
Regular duct cleaning can also minimize this issue since it gets rid of the dust in your ducts. Another benefit of duct cleaning is improved efficiency, which helps to reduce monthly utility bills and extend the life of your HVAC system.
If your HVAC system is showing any of these signs, contact our team at BTAC (Bruce Thornton Air Conditioning) to schedule an HVAC inspection by calling 806-589-1014.
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