4 Signs Your HVAC Needs a Tune-Up
Any Season HVAC • July 18, 2023

With scorching summer weather already impacting many areas of the country, the last thing you want to do is come home and find the inside of your home hot and humid. Unfortunately, both conditions can be signs that your HVAC unit is malfunctioning. Preventative maintenance or a system tune-up is a great way to avoid this. Here are a few signs you may need to call for an appointment.
1. Musty Odors
If you begin smelling musty odors out of your vents, it may be a sign that your system has some microbial growth somewhere in your unit. This growth, typically mold or mildew, usually come from some moisture build-up. The moisture could be coming from several different places, such as the following:- Frozen evaporator coil
- Blocked condensate lines
- Broken drain tubes
- Ineffective drain pans
- Dirty vents
2. Warm Air
Do you have to turn your thermostat lower and lower to get the same level of comfort throughout your home? Is your unit blowing warm or hot air? Have you seen a spike in your energy bills? Several different things could generate warm air from your unit, including the following:- Dirty air filters
- Incorrect thermostat settings
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Leaky ductwork
- Low refrigerant
3. Strange Noises
If your HVAC unit begins making strange noises, this clearly indicates that you need a tune-up, but your system can make a wide variety of noises. For example, banging noises from your outside unit may mean that some of your compressor parts have come loose or broken from your system's wear and tear. A clanking sound often means that your blades are out of balance and have begun hitting other parts. Buzzing noises from your outside unit could indicate debris, loose parts, rubbing copper lines, dirty condenser coils, and more. Clicking noises could mean several different things, including:- Faulty electrical signals
- Loose or obstructed fans
- Malfunctioning thermostat
4. Leaking Systems
The only water you should see from your HVAC unit is from your system's drain line. You should not see leaks around your system, and water should not be coming through your ceilings or dripping down your walls. Water leaking inside your home often comes from clogged drain lines or malfunctioning drain pans. If not caught in time, the water can cause significant damage, especially if you have a portion of your unit upstairs or in your attic. Water outside around your unit could indicate that your refrigerant is not operating as it should. Do not wait until your system quits on you and leaves you in the hot summer heat. Schedule a tune-up for your HVAC system with Any Season Heating & Air Conditioning. It is a minor investment that quickly pays for itself. Not only will our licensed, bonded, and experienced heating and air professionals inspect and tune up your system, we will get it back running up to its optimal levels.
Winter is approaching soon and you know what that means - high heating bills. While staying warm is essential during the chilly months, it doesn't have to come at the cost of skyrocketing utility bills. With a few simple strategies and maintenance tips, you can keep your home cozy without breaking the bank. Our professional technicians at Any Season HVAC have over 25 years of experience and have picked up on many tips on how to save money during the cold winters! 1. Regular Furnace Maintenance One of the most critical steps to ensure your furnace operates efficiently and economically is to schedule regular maintenance. An annual check-up by a professional technician can identify and address any issues, such as clogged filters or worn-out parts, before they lead to higher energy consumption and costly repairs. 2. Replace Air Filters A clean air filter is essential for efficient furnace operation. Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow, causing your furnace to work harder and use more energy to maintain your desired temperature. Check and replace your furnace filters regularly, typically every one to three months, depending on the filter type and usage. If they’re running less, you’ll be saving much more money. 3. Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat Investing in a programmable thermostat can significantly reduce your heating costs. These smart devices allow you to set different temperatures for various times of the day, automatically lowering the heat when you're away or sleeping and raising it when you're home and awake. This can result in substantial energy savings over time. 4. Seal Air Leaks Drafts and air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings can let cold air in and warm air out, making your furnace work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Inspect your home for any gaps and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Additionally, consider adding insulation to your attic and walls to further improve energy efficiency. 5. Utilize Zone Heating Instead of heating your entire home uniformly, consider using zone heating. This involves heating only the rooms you use most frequently, like the living room and bedrooms, while keeping unused areas cooler. Space heaters or ductless mini-split systems can help you achieve this and reduce your overall heating costs. 6. Maximize Natural Sunlight During the day, open curtains and blinds to let natural sunlight in. Sunlight can naturally warm your home, reducing the need for your furnace to work overtime. Just remember to close them at night to retain as much heat as possible. 7. Lower the Thermostat at Night Lowering your thermostat a few degrees when you go to sleep can lead to substantial savings. You can compensate by using extra blankets or wearing warmer pajamas. A programmable thermostat makes it easy to automate this temperature adjustment. 8. Keep Furniture and Drapes Away from Vents Ensure that furniture, rugs, and drapes do not obstruct heating vents or radiators. Blocking these sources of heat can reduce their efficiency and force your furnace to work harder. Not only that, but it is also a fire hazard to have objects close to hot vents. Lowering your heating bills during the winter doesn't mean sacrificing comfort. By implementing these tips and making a few adjustments to your heating habits, you can stay cozy while saving on energy costs. Remember that a well-maintained furnace and a well-insulated home are your allies in achieving both warmth and savings. Take these steps, and you'll not only enjoy a comfortable winter but also a lighter load on your wallet. Our experts at Any Season Heating & Air Conditioning can help give you advice on which system to go with to help save you money. Heating and cooling gets expensive during winter and summer so do what you can to avoid those bills. Contact us today to get more info on your furnace. We serve all of the Chicagoland area in towns such as Mokena , Palos Park , Palos Heights , Frankfort , Lockport , and more!