Why and When You Should Call HVAC Experts

If you want your HVAC system to run optimally, you hire HVAC experts. You wouldn’t ask a carpenter to set your broken leg, DIY your car’s engine overhaul after watching a YouTube video, or hire your college student niece to handle your company’s digital marketing. The odds are that you would lose your leg, your engine, and your business.

The same practice should be applied to your HVAC, an important and expensive system with multiple pieces of hardware and software that require significant expertise to understand and service. Heating and air conditioning systems are critical to maintaining comfort and well-being in the home and require professional intervention when in need of repair.

Homeowners make two fundamental errors with their HVAC systems that can cost them dearly. The first is setting it and forgetting it – neglecting regular maintenance of their heating and air conditioning system. HVAC is a complex electrical system with several moving parts and opportunities for invisible issues that can cascade into costly repairs and service interruptions. Calling in an HVAC specialist at least annually is a simple, cost-effective way to ensure that the system is running optimally.

The second mistake is ignoring problems when they first become apparent or attempting to address them with home remedies or a low-cost alternative. Diagnosing and repairing issues with HVAC requires significant knowledge as the technologies advance. Attempting simplistic Band-Aid repairs like raising the thermostat on a sluggish system or trying to stem a leak with electrical tape masks the underlying problem and simply delays the inevitable repair. Trained specialists get the job done right the first time, using the latest equipment and applying years of experience and continuing education to each case, saving customers time and money in the long run and keeping the system running optimally all the time.

When Should You Call HVAC Professionals?

Knowing when to call HVAC specialists can prevent the inconvenience of a malfunctioning system. That usually occurs when you need it most, like during the hottest and coldest weeks of the year when heat or air conditioning is most critical and imposes the greatest burden on the system.

HVAC professionals should install your HVAC system; regular preventative checkups are wise and cost-saving. Once the system is operating, there are telltale signs that it is time to seek expert assistance.

  1. Leakage – Moisture around the AC unit is a big red flag. It signals serious issues that should be addressed immediately. Water leaks are signs of blocked drain lines that never resolve themselves; they only worsen. Refrigerant leaks are even more dangerous for the health of both the system and the residents. When refrigerant runs low, the AC works overtime to pump out what is left, stressing the entire system until the refrigerant is depleted and the AC stops functioning. For humans, refrigerant is toxic if inhaled, so call a professional immediately.
  1. Odd Noises or Smells—These will not go away on their own. Both suggest problems that will only intensify, like a loose fan belt or electrical issues.
  1. Unusual Energy Bills—Consistently rising utility bills often result from the HVAC system working harder to perform its job. The plethora of potential causes indicates that an expert in the HVAC field should diagnose the problem.
  1. Ineffective or Uneven Cooling—again, there are many causes, but only one way to find out: an HVAC expert.
  1. Anything else that doesn’t seem right – trust your gut and call for help. Letting it go could leave you without heat or air conditioning, requiring wallet-draining repairs.

Whether your HVAC system needs routine maintenance or emergency repair, the Holley Heating & Air team will take care of it with care and expertise. Call us today to schedule an appointment.