HVAC Emergencies vs. Regular Issues: How to Identify Them

Unusual HVAC noise or significant drops in temperature prompts questioning if it’s an emergency or something that can wait until morning. In this blog post, Thomas J. Fannon & Sons will help you understand if an air conditioner or ductless split system issue requires immediate attention or a regular one that can be put on hold until later.

Urgent HVAC Issues

Here are some key indicators of an HVAC emergency that are considered urgent:

• Unusual Sounds. HVAC system noises like banging, grinding, or screeching indicate serious problems. Disregarding these noises can lead to costly repairs and further damage.
• Excessive Leaking. Increased water or refrigerant leaks from HVAC systems indicate issues with pipes, valves, or seals, potentially causing water damage, mold growth, and inefficient performance.
• Drastic Drop in Efficiency. Uneven HVAC performance may indicate issues within the system’s interior components, affecting comfort and causing a spike in energy bills.
• Complete System Failure. An HVAC emergency occurs when the system stops functioning all of a sudden and can’t seem to work after repeated attempts at troubleshooting. Immediately seeking professional assistance is crucial to restore your home’s comfort levels and minimize potential safety hazards.

Non-Emergency HVAC Issues

Meanwhile, here are some non-emergency HVAC issues that can wait but still needs attention:

• Subtle Change in Indoor Humidity Levels. Humidity fluctuations may not be alarming, but it can impact your home’s Indoor air quality. Moisture accumulation, if not addressed, can lead to issues like mold growth and furniture damage. Monitoring and maintaining the right levels of indoor humidity is vital for the health and well-being of your household.
• Minor Temperature Fluctuations. Minor temperature variations in your home may not be an immediate concern, but investigating and fixing them is crucial for consistent comfort levels.
• Slower Fan Speeds. Decreased airflow from the vents are an indication of a clogged air filter or fan motor issue, which can affect the HVAC system’s efficiency. Check if the filters need cleaning or replacing. Otherwise, schedule a service call with your technician to determine if the fan motor does indeed have an issue that needs fixing.

When to Call a Professional

Ideally, you’ll want to call a professional if your HVAC system isn’t working properly. In some cases, however, a bit of troubleshooting can go a long way. There have been instances wherein the complaint of a lack of heating and cooling can be resolved with a few adjustments of the thermostat. By doing your own troubleshooting, you save time and money for real emergencies.

At Thomas J. Fannon & Sons, we’re ready to answer any of the questions you have regarding your heater or air conditioner. We can provide expert advice on what to do in case your HVAC system isn’t working as it should. If we deemed your heating and cooling issue is an emergency, or if the initial troubleshooting tips don’t work, we’ll be happy to send one of our technicians for a thorough inspection and assessment. To get started, call us at (703) 549-5700, or fill out our convenient online form for a free quote. We’re here to ensure your system runs safely and efficiently, 24/7.