
7 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repairs
As the summer heat intensifies, your AC breaking down is the last thing you’d want. A 100% reliable air conditioning system is a bit of a cliché, but catching issues early can minimize damage. Keeping your air conditioner in optimal shape will help you recognize the following seven signs of trouble, so you know when to schedule repairs.
1. Increased Cooling Costs
If your air conditioning bills give you chills, you need to check your AC for efficiency. An inefficient system will have to work doubly hard to provide that cooling effect, causing increased energy consumption. Consider scheduling a repair if you notice a significant spike in your cooling costs.
Understanding the Impact of an Inefficient System
An inefficient air conditioning system can cause financial strain. When your AC works twice as hard to cool your home, more energy is consumed, increasing your bills. Some things that can cause your AC to become inefficient include dirty filters, refrigerant leaks, or worn-out components. Deal with these issues promptly to avoid further financial strain.
Monitoring and Managing Cooling Costs
Keeping track of your energy bills and comparing them to previous months or years will allow you to monitor your cooling costs effectively. If you notice a sudden and significant cost increase, it indicates a problem with your air conditioner. You can avoid it by scheduling regular maintenance checks to ensure your AC operates efficiently.
2. Decreased Cooling Output
A major sign of a malfunctioning air conditioner is that it struggles to cool your home effectively. You must not ignore this issue as it can lead to further damage. Make sure your AC is the right size for your home and seek professional help if you notice a decline in performance.

Understanding the Causes of Poor Cooling
Decreased cooling output from your air conditioner can signal several problems with your system. These include dirty air filters, refrigerant leaks, malfunctioning components, or improper installation. You may need professional help to find the root cause of the problem to restore your AC’s cooling efficiency.
Addressing Decreased Cooling Output
If your AC struggles to keep your home cool, you must take prompt action. Checking and replacing your air filters for proper airflow is a good place to start. If the problem persists, you may need a professional inspection to diagnose and repair any underlying issues. Additionally, ensure that your AC is properly sized for your home’s cooling needs; an undersized unit may not cool your space efficiently.
3. Unusual Sounds
Loud or unusual sounds from your AC unit are not normal and signal a problem with your system. If you hear anything unusual, such as grinding, squealing, or banging, get your AC inspected by a professional.
Identifying Common AC Sounds and Their Causes
It is normal for your air conditioner to produce some noise during operation, but certain sounds can indicate underlying issues. For example, a grinding noise is a sign of malfunctioning motor bearings, while a squealing noise may suggest a worn-out belt. Banging or clanging sounds could signal loose or broken parts. Recognizing these sounds can help you diagnose the problem early.
Take Action Against Unusual Sounds
Do not wait to have your AC inspected if you hear any unusual sounds from your unit. Ignoring these sounds can cause further damage and potentially costly repairs. A trained technician can tell you the noise source and recommend repairs to restore your AC’s performance. Regular maintenance can also keep these issues from happening in the future.
4. Strange Smells
A musty or pungent odor from your air conditioner could indicate microbial growth. It affects the air quality in your home but, more importantly, indicates a potential problem with your AC unit. If you notice any strange smells, have your unit inspected and repaired if necessary.
Recognizing Different Odors and Their Causes
There are several reasons for strange smells coming from your air conditioner. A musty odor, for example, could suggest microbial growth within the unit. A pungent smell, on the other hand, may indicate a burnt wire or insulation. Understanding the source of the scent can help you address the problem effectively.
Addressing Strange Smells
If you notice any unusual odors from your air conditioner, you must act promptly. Check your air filters and change them if they are dirty. If the smell persists, schedule a professional inspection to identify and resolve the underlying issue. Ignoring strange smells from your AC can compromise indoor air quality and put you at risk of potential health hazards.
5. Poor Air Quality
A decline in indoor air quality should alert you about potential problems with your AC. A malfunctioning AC can circulate dust, allergens, and other pollutants, causing respiratory issues and discomfort. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can improve air quality and keep your home healthy.

Understanding the Impact of a Malfunctioning AC on Air Quality
A malfunctioning air conditioner often causes poor indoor air quality by circulating dust, allergens, and other pollutants throughout your home. It can cause several health problems, including respiratory conditions, allergies, and discomfort for you and your family. You must identify and resolve the root cause of the issue to improve air quality and maintain a healthy living environment.
Improving Air Quality Through Regular Maintenance and Repairs
Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can improve air quality in your home. You should schedule regular HVAC inspections and filter replacements to keep your air conditioner functioning properly. If you notice a decline in air quality, such as increased dust or allergens, contact a professional to inspect your AC unit and address any issues affecting air quality.
6. Leaks or Moisture
Any leaks or moisture around your air conditioner could indicate a problem with the unit. Leaking refrigerant or condensation can cause serious issues if not addressed promptly. If you notice any leaks or moisture, contact a professional for inspection and repair.
Identifying the Source of Leaks or Moisture
Leaks or moisture around your air conditioner may indicate leaking refrigerant or condensation buildup. You must identify the source of the leaks or moisture to determine the appropriate course of action. Leaking refrigerant, for example, can harm your health and the environment and should be addressed immediately.
Addressing Leaks or Moisture Issues
If you notice any leaks or moisture around your air conditioner, contact a professional for inspection and repair. Ignoring it can further damage your AC unit and cause potentially costly repairs. A professional can find the source of the leaks or moisture and recommend the necessary repairs to restore your AC’s performance.
7. Thermostat Issues
Your AC’s performance will be affected if your thermostat is not functioning properly. Incorrect temperature readings or an unresponsive thermostat can cause inconsistent cooling and discomfort. Ensure your thermostat is calibrated correctly and replace it if necessary.
Recognizing Common Thermostat Problems
A malfunctioning thermostat is often the cause of inconsistent cooling and discomfort in your home. Common thermostat issues include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsiveness, or erratic behavior. These problems can affect your air conditioner’s performance and efficiency.
Resolving Thermostat Issues
If you suspect your thermostat is malfunctioning, you can take several steps to resolve it. Firstly, check the thermostat settings and ensure they are set to the correct temperature. If the problem persists, recalibrate or replace the thermostat. A professional can help diagnose the problem and recommend the best action.
Take Action Now!

Recognizing these signs early can help keep your air conditioner operating efficiently throughout the summer. If you suspect an issue with your AC, don’t hesitate to contact Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing for professional assistance.
We offer expert AC repair services to keep your home cool and comfortable during the hottest months of the year. With our experienced technicians and quality of service, you can trust Goettl to keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Schedule your AC repair or inspection with us today.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say About Us







I would also like to thank Josh for his assistance in the process. He helped us find ways to save money on the additional work that needed to be done. His calm demeanor not only added a professional touch but also helped us heal from the prior experience with the other HVAC company. Thank you, Josh and Jorge, for helping us make the right decision. Jeremy is the bum digidy in a good way.


























I think the guy that was supposed to be assigned to me had problems. My appointment was from 9-1 and Austin was assigned to me at 1:30 and Drove over an hour to get to me.
Now that's 💜
11/24/25 Seems this is an update not its own post. Adam was out to repair our filtration system. No muss no fuss and it was fixed. Awesomely competent guy







Job done quickly and efficiently. Thank you


March 2025 - Jesus Gloria came out in an instant to help us out and quickly fixed our problems. Give this man a promotion!
February 2025 - Our unit was working properly with the cold weather, but Michael showed up and had it fixed in no time! He was also nice enough to give my son a stuffed animal and flashlight. Great service.
September 2024 - Johnny Rivera and Billy Solis came by to fix some work for me and did a fantastic job. Give these guys a raise!




A special shout-out goes to Pablo, our technician. He was on time, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. Pablo took the time to explain everything he was checking, walked me through the condition of each component, and gave helpful tips on how to keep our system running efficiently year-round. His attention to detail and pride in his work really stood out. Because of his professionalism and the overall quality of service, Goettl has definitely earned my trust and future business.
Highly recommend Goettl HVAC—and if you can, ask for Pablo!

Veronica and Kdyn did a great job cleaning our ducts too!

I have seen Goettl vans all over town and so I called them.
Got appointment right away and the Technician, Jef Eusepi, took care of our problem.



Call Goettl and was able to get us on the schedule due to a cancellation they had.
Jef Eusepi our tech was fantastic.
He explained everything and showed us pictures of what he was doing and fixing.
Would definitely recommend this Company and Jef.

He was knowledgeable and friendly and was able to flush the tank and get my hot water flowing again. Thanks again...






(Oldest)Jared was great. Got here promptly and fixed it quickly. Lifesaver on a 100+ degree day!







8/14/25 Update:
Billy, Goettl technician, service our AC late on Sunday night, then scheduled to come and double check the unit in a few days. Everything checks out and is working well now. Thanks Billy for great customer service
8/10/25 Update:
AC not working again since Friday night (8/8/25). I contacted Goettl as instructed, not satisfied with the response, still waiting for resolution and contact/communication from a manager.
*****
7/30/25 Update:
Goettl assistant install supervisor Nacho and his crew (Manny & Julio) assessed the entire system again today. They were polite and professional and made sure all our concerns were heard and addressed. It is believed the issue has been identified and fixed. Thanks Goettl for making the situation right!
7/22/25 Update:
Issues continue. Techs to arrive again today. Updated review to follow pending outcome.
7/2025 Update:
Goettl service technicians have returned to assist with some issues. Both Ian P. and Will M. we're both very professional it was believed issues were resolved. Dispatcher Betty was also able to hear my issues and arrange for a tech to arrive as quickly as possible.
*****
Initial review 2/2025:
Jorge "George" was respectful and easy to communicate with. He listened and answered all our questions. Informed us of what and how Goettl could do with the 20+yr old system in our home, and gave us time and space make the best decision for us. So far very pleased with Goettl's professional conduct and standards.






Gilbert Castaneda was our technician today for A/C maintenance. He was informative with all my questions, did his job in a timely manner and a very pleasant young man to work with.








On time, clean, and very thorough with any potential issues.
Thank you.









Chris R came out for our Sadie Membership inspection and review before the cold comes here in TX. He did a fantastic job and really knows his stuff. Thank You!










Mike provided truly exceptional service. From the moment he arrived, it was clear he was extremely knowledgeable; he quickly and confidently diagnosed a very tricky issue that we had with our pipes, explaining everything clearly and answering all of our questions with patience. He also installed our new water heater and did an outstanding job. If you need a plumber who gets the job done right the first time, we highly recommend Mike. Thank you!






The Goettl team has been very professional and helpful to me as their customer. Thank you, Kelli Stoika.
PS… If there would’ve been 6 stars on the scale, that’s what I believe they should’ve received.




Sally



UPDATE Julian and his team, Nick & Jeffery, were here to fix my sewer pipe. They explained everything thoroughly and kept me apprised of their progress. When they finished, it looked as if they hadn’t been here even though they dug a giant whole in my yard! Most impressive! I highly recommend Goettl.
UPDATE November 14, 2025
Goettl continues to be a 5-star company for me. Always, on time, clear explanations, fair pricing, respectful of property and competent, friendly staff. Caelin was my team member today and upheld all of these values.


Jason and Marco operated like a well oiled machine with one replacing the AC unit while the other replaced the furnace. Clean up was excellent and the system works beautifully now.

I will definitely use their services going forward.
Thank you Goettl Air crew!




Thank you,
Greg Sanches





















This past week our service technician was Andrew Morgan and he is such a friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled technician. He spent time making sure the job was done correctly and he explained it in terms that I could understand. Not only is our unit functioning even better than before, I also gained knowledge of how the system works.













I highly recommend Goettl as this is the second time l've used them in less than a year. (2 seperate issues)... and I highly recommend them..anytime and anyday.
They have exceeded to top any expectations I could have ever had with any company.


Jerry also noticed our water pressure was low after flushing toilet then trying to wash hands in bathroom sink which were so he suggested a new pressure regulator as we have had a new better water conditioning system installed. We now have the best water pressure even when using a shower and kitchen sink faucet at the same time. Also Jerry is a master plumber and we appreciate his knowledge and experience. Will definitely call Goettl again when a plumber is needed.
Ralph & Kathy Lesmeister



Darean Guerra today. He arrived on time and took the time to explain what he was going to do. He was very knowledgeable which helped me trust what he was doing. He left his work area clean. I am very pleased with his work.









The company is installing a tankless heater and the customer service is outstanding.
I recommend Geottl to all!


They made sure my carpet was covered and when they were all through they cleaned up perfectly
I would recommend your company to anyone looking to put in a new air conditioner.
Thank you so much for all you did for me.
Sincerely, June Jones

And I would highly recommend the company and the quality technicians like Jarod.
Jarod is the go to if you want excellent
Customer service and communication for any AC related issues. He is very knowledgeable, personable and trustworthy. I am grateful and satisfied.







They listened to my issue, were very through, checked for leaks, etc. I’ve lived in Lakeway for 30 years, used MANY local plumbers - but Goettl will definitely get all my business moving forward. HIGHLY recommend!
Ty, Wil & Adrian!

Everyone from the Goettl sales representative Christian, Tech / Advisor Josias recommended a HVAC A/C and Heating system replacement. Technicians team Veronica and her partner.


Jeremy Canchola serviced our mini-split today with the usual Goettl efficiency and professionalism.
Highly recommended!





