Whether you’re coming home to a chilled house during a Texas summer heatwave or to a toasty home during a frigid winter, a working air conditioning and heating unit is something homeowners should never take for granted.

These sophisticated electrical systems give some hints before it goes haywire. And any savvy homeowner should know the telltale signs an HVAC emergency repair is imminent.

Read on to learn the 10 warning signs your air conditioning and heating unit is trying to tell you it needs some maintenance or repair.

1. The Thermostat Isn’t Working

One of the first signs your air conditioning and heating system might need to be evaluated by a professional is when the thermostat stops working.

When a gentle nudge in temperature does nothing to prod the air conditioning unit to kick in, there might be something wrong with the thermostat. It may be as simple as replacing a battery.

HVAC problems can start small at first, but if not addressed with an evaluation by a professional, who might suggest routine maintenance, it could be a costly repair.

2. The Opposite Air Temperature is Coming From the Vents

If the air conditioner should be blasting chilled air and you notice warm air blowing through the vents, you should definitely call an HVAC repair service.

The same goes for the winter months. If the heater is supposed to be on, but the air coming out of the vents is cold, it’s a definite warning sign.

The problem could be a clog in the ductwork or a low level of refrigerant. Calling a professional for a review of your air conditioning unit will help you identify the culprit.

3. The Outside Unit’s Fan is Not Moving

It’s normal to see the fans rotating in the outside air conditioning and heating unit.  If you notice the fans not moving, and the ac compressor is clicking on, that is cause for concern.

The problem could be a bad fan motor. The motors are working hard at blowing the hot air out of the house and can be burned out from overuse.

There also could be a problem with the electrical power source. Or some outside debris is preventing the fan blades from spinning.

For an emergency HVAC repair, many local companies in Houston, Texas will come to homes and businesses for a service call. Calling a pro to do a once-over will help get the cold air running into the house sooner rather than later.

4. There is High Humidity in Your House

Central air conditioning units also regulate the humidity in your home. If you notice the air is a bit humid than normal, it might be time to call an ac repair service.

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic concluded the ideal humidity in your house is between 30 and 50 percent. A lower humidity could lead to dry skin. High humidity could cause bacteria and mold to grow.

5. Odd Smells Coming Through the Vents

If you take a whiff and the air streaming through the vents smells funny, take it as an ac unit warning sign.

Any odd odor — a musty smell or a burning plastic smell — could indicate a problem in the ductwork or be a signal that you need to call a professional to sanitize and clean your air ducts.

6. The Carpet Near the Inside Unit is Wet

If you’re walking by the indoor air conditioning and heating unit, and feel a damp or wet spot, it could be a sign the system is not draining.

If your air conditioner is leaking water, the culprit could be a clogged drain line. Another possibility is that the unit was not leveled when it was installed. The slightest tilt could cause the overflow of water in the collection tray to spill over.

7. Ice on the Evaporator Coils

When you see ice forming on the indoor evaporator coils, that is a red flag that your air conditioning and heating system is due for major HVAC repair.

While the ice itself is not harmful, the reason for the frozen coils could mean trouble. The ice appears on the coils because the coils are staying colder than they should.

Homeowners should not try to chip off the ice to fix the problem. Doing so could cause more damage. It’s best to call a Houston-area professional to identify the deeper issue.

8. Low Air Flow

Another air conditioning unit warning sign is when the air flowing from the vents has slowed. Low airflow could be a signal there is a blockage in the air ducts. Or your home has an inadequate amount of vents to

Experts recommend a routine air duct maintenance schedule to keep the dust and dirt buildup to a minimum.

9. Loud Sounds Coming From the Air Conditioning Unit

The intermittent humming of your air conditioning unit as it kicks in is a beautiful sound. Should you hear a loud knocking sound or a banging noise from your system, it might be a sign your unit is at the end of its lifespan.

If the sound is unusual, don’t be afraid to seek the help of a repair service to diagnose the problem.

10. Numerous Breaker Trips

Another telltale sign to call for an HVAC emergency repair service is when your system is continually tripping the circuit breaker in your home.

There could be a serious underlying electrical issue. These are serious hazards that lead to electrical fires. Calling in a trained professional will prevent any serious damage.

HVAC Emergency Repair Takeaway

A home’s air conditioning and heating unit system is what homeowners rely on with little fanfare — until it stops working.

But before a system quits working, there are typical signals and smells that forewarn needed repairs. Now that you know the 10 signs for when to call for an HVAC emergency repair, don’t ignore the warnings.

If you notice any of these issues, contact our specialists for same-day repairs. We are experts in air conditioning and heating unit systems, and service Houston residential homes and businesses.