When it’s freezing out or during heat waves, we’re relying on our HVAC to keep our homes and workplaces comfortable. But we tend to overlook small warning signs until the system breaks down entirely.
Like any technical equipment, HVAC systems need periodic checks and occasionally require repairs to maintain their performance and safety. Spotting signs that your system needs repair early can help you avoid a costly breakdown, maintain energy efficiency, comply with regulations, and ensure good indoor air quality.
In this post, we’ll go over the signs your HVAC needs repair.
How can I tell if my HVAC system needs maintenance?
While today’s HVAC systems are built to deliver high performance and comfort for years, this only happens when they’re properly maintained. Over time, regular use, and outside influences like dust, humidity, and temperature changes take a toll on their performance.
Alongside readily apparent signs, technical regulations establish how installations must be maintained to ensure energy efficiency and meet legal requirements.
1. Doesn’t reach the set temperature.
One of the most obvious signs your HVAC system has a problem is when it can’t reach the set temperature. This could stem from low refrigerant, clogged filters, thermostat issues, or even a compressor failure.
Under the Regulation on Thermal Installations in Buildings (RITE), incidents like this can suggest poor energy performance and prompt a mandatory technical inspection.
2. Higher charges appearing on your Bill
An HVAC system operating inefficiently uses more energy, which can signal internal issues, dirty filters, pressure drops, or worn components.
The RITE (Spanish Institute of Energy and Natural Resources) requires periodic energy efficiency inspections for heating and cooling systems. These inspections identify inefficient equipment and correct faults to prevent costly breakdowns and avoid fines.
3. Unusual noises or vibrations.
Modern HVAC systems are designed to run quietly. If you hear humming, vibrations, knocking, or squealing, there’s likely a problem: like a loose part, misaligned motor, or worn fan. These sounds clearly indicate your system requires prompt attention.
4. Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks not only compromise system performance by preventing proper cooling, but also raise environmental concerns and legal compliance issues.
Royal Decree 115/2017, regulating fluorinated gases, requires regular inspections for installations containing refrigerants and mandates that any leaks must be repaired by certified technicians.
5. Musty smells and damp air.
Another common sign of trouble is unpleasant smells when you turn it on or persistent dampness in the area. This often comes from dirt, bacteria, mold, or stagnant water building up in the system’s ducts or filters.
How often does an air conditioner need maintenance?
How often an HVAC system needs maintenance depends on the equipment type, its capacity, the building’s usage, and the manufacturer’s recommendations in the user manual.
According to the RITE (Spanish Institute of Technical Inspection), systems with a rated output up to 70kW featuring remote monitoring must undergo annual inspections. Conversely, systems under 12kW may be inspected every two years, provided energy efficiency and safety standards are met.
These inspections must be carried out by certified technicians who check key components like the fan, drain line, coils, connections, and refrigerant levels. If a gas leak occurs, for example, the circuit’s tightness must be verified in accordance with Royal Decree 115/2017, which regulates fluorinated gases handling.
At Arce Clima, our technicians specialize in maintaining, repairing, and installing HVAC systems for both homes and businesses. We follow professional procedures, meet all current regulations, and tailor solutions to each client’s needs.
Contact us today if your HVAC system shows clear signs it needs an overhaul. Trust Arce Clima to keep your equipment in top condition, boost its efficiency, and ensure year-round comfort for your home or business. Remember, prevention beats costly repairs – entrusting your system to us is the smart choice.