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5 Signs it's Time for an HVAC Tune-Up
Your HVAC system has worked hard all summer to keep you cool and comfortable. Before you flip that switch and turn on the heat, you might want to give it a little TLC to make sure it serves you well through the winter months. Our real estate agents want to remind you that an annual tune-up is a fairly inexpensive service that can save you thousands over time. In case you've been ignoring them, there are a few telltale signs that say you should get this done sooner rather than later.
- Take a Listen
When your unit kicks on, do you hear a squealing noise? If so, you probably need to replace a belt. How about an unpleasant grinding sound? A part within the unit may have vibrated loose, or moving parts may need to be calibrated. Do you hear a deep, throaty rumble? This often indicates dirty burners. The annual cleaning process will remove the soot that collects in the burners that is generally the culprit.
- Investigate Odors
Musty odors tell you that mold or mildew may be growing inside the HVAC system. The negative side effects that accompany these bad actors are far worse than unpleasant odors. They include coughing, congestion, sneezing, headaches, asthma, and even bronchitis and pneumonia. For the sake of your health, you will want to address these issues right away. Odd electrical smells can mean faulty wiring that needs to be replaced or, at the very least, re-insulated to eliminate a fire hazard.
- Check the Temperature
If your system is no longer maintaining a steady temperature, your HVAC unit is struggling. If you are feeling too warm or too cold, don't assume it's "just you." Check the thermostat to see if it is registering the correct temperature for its setting. This could mean that your system needs to be calibrated or that your thermostat needs to be replaced. Both issues will be part of a maintenance technician's checklist.
- Check the Airflow
If your home has hot spots where the air just doesn't seem to cool properly, you definitely need to schedule a tune-up. Your heating and cooling system shouldn't have to struggle to keep up with weather changes or to reach all the rooms in your house. A quick check you can do yourself is to walk around the house and hold your hand to the vents to see if each seems to be producing the same amount of circulation.
- Watch Your Energy Bill
It makes good economic sense to review the bill each month to compare the usage not only to the previous month but to the same month the prior year. If you are seeing a sharp spike in usage, you should ask your maintenance person for recommendations.
Regular maintenance will not only keep your home comfortable while you live there, but it will also help ensure that you receive top dollar when you choose to sell. If you're considering a change, contact us to help you sell your home or buy a new one in the Livingston County, MI area.