Your Outdated HVAC System Might Be Useless At Heating Your Home. Here's How To Tell

When the leaves begin to turn and the air starts to chill, it's time to spend more time indoors, warming up with a cup of soup or maybe some hot tea. You expect the inside of your home to be a place to warm up when it's cold out. It's considerably less cozy when you turn on the heat and don't feel any warmth coming from your vents, though. That's the biggest sign that your HVAC system has gone bad, and it's one warning sign from your HVAC that you should not ignore. There are others, as well, including noises within the unit and higher-than-normal energy bills.

HVAC systems don't generally fail out of the blue. They usually struggle for weeks or months before going out completely, and there are several signs your unit is failing before it gets to that point. A properly functioning unit is typically quiet, so if it starts making strange noises, it's best to have a professional check it out. A hissing sound could mean an internal valve is malfunctioning or there is too much pressure in the compressor. Clicking is likely an electrical issue, such as a control failure, defective relay, or broken thermostat. Banging means something is broken or loose inside the unit. Screeching could be a faulty belt. Ignoring any of these issues could lead to the whole unit breaking down. Regular maintenance by a qualified service technician can catch many of these problems before they get worse. It's one of the most useful tips to prolong the life of your HVAC system. 

HVACs are supposed to keep your home at a consistent temperature, so if you notice some areas of your home are warmer or colder than others, it's time to pay attention. This could be a simple issue, like a faulty thermostat or a dirty filter. But if you've ruled out these issues, there may be a larger problem with the unit itself. You may also notice that your energy bills are starting to skyrocket. These two things together are a big red flag that your unit is failing. HVAC units account for about half of your home's energy consumption. If your unit isn't working properly, it takes more energy to heat your home to the desired temperature — and that means higher energy bills.

Most HVAC systems typically have a lifespan of 10-20 years, depending on the type. Heat pumps can start to show their age between 10 and 15 years, while gas furnaces show signs of wear at around 15 and 20 years. Many HVAC installation companies offer a service plan to check your system annually. The reasons you should have your HVAC system checked annually are to lower your energy bills, avoid catastrophes, make your equipment last longer, and improve your air quality. If your unit is nearing the end of its lifespan or is outdated and you're experiencing these problems, you should consider upgrading or replacing it for better energy efficiency.