Your HVAC system is designed to function efficiently without requiring much help from you. However, regular tune-ups are needed to ensure the system is clean and replace or repair parts as they become worn with use. Although you should plan to schedule regular tune-ups with your professional HVAC service regardless of your system’s function, there are a few noticeable signs that your furnace or air conditioner are struggling and needs a little extra help. Addressing these issues as soon as you notice them will help you keep your energy bills low and prevent a complete breakdown in your heating or cooling system.

Trouble Heating and Cooling Your Home

One of the most basic signs that you need an HVAC tune-up is a noticeable difference in the comfort levels at home. If you find that some rooms are too hot while other rooms are too cold, this indicates that your HVAC system is having trouble providing enough conditioned air and distributing it properly through your home. While you can expect to make changes to your thermostat during extreme weather, feeling like you need to crank the thermostat up or down when the weather is steady is another sign that your HVAC system is not providing the efficiency you need. Any time your comfort begins to suffer, reach for a phone instead of the thermostat dial to seek professional help.

Loud Noises or Continual Function

As a homeowner, you’ll come to know the normal behavior exhibited by your HVAC system. Changes in this behavior indicate that professional attention is needed to clean or tune up the system. Some of the most noticeable changes in HVAC system behavior are loud noises when your air conditioner or furnace activate. Additionally, continual function characterized by the system turning on and off more frequently than usual also indicates a drop in efficiency that causes your heating or cooling system to work harder and more often to condition your air. Both of these issues can grow worse over time, so it’s best to address them by calling in a professional as soon as a change in behavior becomes apparent.

High Energy Bills

Poor HVAC performance leads directly to an increase in energy consumption and monthly operating costs. If your heating or cooling bills suddenly increase, it’s time to find the reason behind this change. The best way to determine whether your bill is reasonable or not is to compare it with the same month’s bills over the past few years. A noticeable increase in energy usage that differs from the past few years is a sign that your energy usage has increased, often due to a straining HVAC system. Scheduling a professional tune-up will restore system efficiency so you can enjoy low-cost heating and cooling once more.

The best way to keep your HVAC system running efficiently is to schedule biannual tune-up and maintenance services with your Alexandria heating and cooling service. Ensuring your system receives professional attention regularly will prevent breakdowns and help you maintain a comfortable home, no matter the temperature outside. You can find even more tips for effective home heating and cooling on our blog, or visit our website to schedule an HVAC tune-up today.