24/7 Heating Installation, Repair & Maintenance Services in San Diego

The most common issues that indicate the need for air conditioning repair include refrigerant leaks, corrosion of wires and electronic components, water leaks, and dirty filters. These problems can cause issues like intermittent functioning, temperature fluctuations, a unit that refuses to turn on, an unresponsive thermostat, a system that takes a long time to heat or cool your home, and high energy bills. Most of these problems are preventable with routine maintenance and repair.

If your system runs but doesn't heat or cool well. You notice rattling, grinding or loud humming noises, air ducts and vents are noticeably dirty, your unit emits an odor, you see leaks or water puddles near the unit, or you notice a change in airflow or indoor humidity. These are all signs that you should call for air conditioner repair.

In general, an HVAC system should last between 15 and 25 years. However, it depends on the type of system you have and its maintenance history. A heating and air conditioning system that gets annual inspections and regular filter replacements will have less wear and tear on the components, which means it should last longer. How often the system runs also impacts its lifespan. For instance, if you like to keep it cold in your home during the summer with the AC running most of the time, the unit will wear out faster than if you set the thermostat several degrees warmer. Regular maintenance and inspections, along with performing AC repair when necessary, will keep your unit functioning at peak efficiency until it's time to replace it.

Common signs your heating system needs to be inspected include:

• Lasting or strange smells - When using your furnace for the first time during the year, there may be a slight smell. However, you may have a furnace issue if the scent does not go away or if an odd odor appears suddenly.
• Difficulty starting the unit or unit randomly turning off - A furnace that struggles to turn on or keep running needs attention.
• Non-blue pilot light and/or carbon monoxide detector goes off - A yellow flame can indicate that the gas isn’t getting burned off completely and producing carbon monoxide in the process. If a carbon monoxide detector shows levels of CO in your home, contact Bill Howe for professional heating and air conditioning repair.
• Low or no heat - If the system isn't heating your home quickly or at all, it's a sign that your furnace needs attention.
• Humidity - If you notice the humidity levels in your home are higher than usual or have moisture around windows or on surfaces, this is a sign that your system is not performing properly.
• Rising energy bill - A large increase in your energy bill can also mean your heater is not functioning properly.
• Furnace unusually noisy - If you hear persistent humming, rattling or buzzing noises coming from your furnace then it is time to get it repaired or replaced.
• Increased dust levels - Your HVAC system may need a cleaning or air filter replacement if you notice more dust or soot around the house while it is running.

If you notice any of these signs, call for heating repair before you’re left in the cold.

Your furnace utilizes fuel (such as natural gas, propane, or oil) to generate heat, which is then circulated throughout your home by a blower. This hot air travels through pipes (ducts) located within floors and walls, ensuring even distribution. Before being reheated and recirculated, the cool air is filtered upon its return. This entire process is orchestrated by your thermostat, which communicates electrical signals to your furnace.

When your AC is running but not cooling as it should, it could be a simple fix or a bit more complex. One of the most common reasons is your AC’s dirty filters, which can be fixed by simply changing or cleaning your filters regularly. Sometimes, someone may have set the thermostat incorrectly, so be sure to check that the thermostat wasn’t accidentally set to heat instead of cool. Low refrigerant levels and condenser issues can also contribute to why your AC is running but not cooling your home effectively. A damaged or worn-out compressor, air duct leaks, or an incorrectly sized AC unit are other signs why your AC runs but is not cooling, and these issues may require professional expertise.

If your AC runs but is not cooling, there are some things you can try to pinpoint as to why. You can check your thermostat, clean the air vents, and inspect the air filter. If your AC isn’t turning on, check the circuit breaker box and see if there’s a tripped circuit or if the emergency shut-off switch is set to OFF. Often, if your AC is running but not cooling, low refrigerant levels are to blame, so check for any refrigerant leaks around the evaporator coil or refrigerant line. You can also check for water leaks to troubleshoot AC problems. Finally, the best thing you can do is to contact Bill Howe and schedule regular maintenance.

The most common problem with an AC unit is a clogged or dirty air filter. Over time, dirt, dust, and other airborne particles can accumulate and clog the air filter. When the air filter is dirty or clogged, airflow is restricted, and the AC unit’s efficiency is reduced.