
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

Johnthan, Thank you so very much for conducting the plumbing assessment of my home this morning. Your professionalism, expertise and personal demeanor were outstanding. Your patience, knowledge and customer educational skills were greatly appreciated, and I am a much better informed customer when it comes to the status, potential issues and how to resolve any water/ plumbing related issues that may arise in the future.
Again, thank you.
Abdiel Chavez, technician came out today to perform my heating system check. He was very professional and thorough in his assessment. It was a pleasure seeing him again as he was the initial technician to come to my home when I first moved here, so it was like having a visit from an old friend. Thank you Abdiel.













Damian was wonderful. He is a great asset to the Goettl team. Thank you for quick, reliable service.




...... we had an AC problem a few days later. Peter Medelez from Goettl came out and fixed it expertly and made some recommendations to ensure it won't happen again. Some things hadn't been done correctly when it was installed several years ago (by someone else), and he will be back next week to fix them. I highly recommend Goettl.
... 10/15/25 ... we had a leak in the main water line which was running into the neighbors' yard. In less than two hours of calling Goettl, Clayton Purvis arrived to fix the leak. He repaired the leak and fixed connections, and repaired something previously done incorrectly in the unknown past. He was done before we had to leave for a prior equipment. I feel confident in the quality of work, as I always am when I have to call Goettl for something.



Elvin did a professional job, very satisfied with his work.and he had the time to explain everything to me.thank you






Update: Jeremy Ortega was awesome did a great job taking care of us and our unit !! Informed of prevention and ways to keep our system healthy highly recommend!!


Parker has a lot of knowledge and doesn't hide anything, or even treat me like I may not know what I'm looking at. I really appreciate everything he has done today, his hard work, and his kind heart. I will be requesting him going forward.

We couldn’t be happier with his service and recommendations. We were very happy with the fast service and the excellent team installing our unit! They were installing the new unit the next day and they were very professional and did an excellent job!
Thank you for all for the quality and excellent service and advice!
Bruce Spears and Donna



Had Andrew come out to remove garbage disposal and repipe sink. He also swapped out 13 emergency water shut off valves in 3 bathrooms.
Andrew was professional, courteous and expedient. He did have to run out to get some supplies. He stayed until 7pm to complete the job on one trip.
May 2023 update. Technician Steve came today to do the summer rejuvenation. Friendly and professional tech. Explained the process and findings. Both systems are new, so everything checked out good. Did a god cleaning of coils and now all set for the summer season. Had them out for fall prevention service and to review the systems that are here. I just bought the house and needed to understand what was in place.
The service tech, Kevin was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. He explained and provided photos and video of all components. He ensured keeping house clean and wore booties.
My second unit is not in the best shape, and Kevin explained each of the issues. I will follow up with service managér to determine next steps (repair or replacement).
I signed up for there service plan and am very pleased with the service and communication to date
12/21 Luis C came today to do routine maintenance on hot water heater. Professional and courteous. He did a through job and explained everything.
10/15. Juan came today and did a great job. He was professional, courteous and friendly. Was here for exterior water bid but also did a hot water heater. Took his time and explained everything.








Thanks for an excellent job.






If there was a 6th star, he’d be getting it!







Ralph also did a great job with installing water softener and garbage disposal. I believe Rudy also came by and helped.
Juan also did a great job with installing a new kitchen faucet and fixing a leak I had.













Thank you Preston








I appreciated the friendly and knowledgeable service provided by Perter and my new system was installed the next day. The crew that came out was very prfessional and efficient. My home was cool within few hours of the work being completed and detalied instructions were givien to me on how the system works and if I were to have any questions I could call day or night and get the answers needed.
I have recommended your company to a few homeowners I know that are in need of system service and/or repairs. You have gained a customer for as longas I live here in the San Antonio area.




Dylon the plumber came out to check my plumbing. Confirmed my water heater is old enough to be replaced and that some valves are original and are showing some corrosion.
On 7/25 Noe came to my house and confirmed that my A/C needed to be replaced. Austin was able to find a Payment Plan that I qualified for the same day. On 7/26 Christian installed my new A/C unit and a new thermostat. He showed me how to use it and left the manual. Everyone at Goettl was so helpful with this situation and got my A/C replaced and running in just two days!
On 3/9/2024 Jesse came to my house for the heater rejuvenation and to install the Sadie Smart monitor. He was very thorough in explaining how the Smart system works and where he had placed all of the sensors. I had a new filter so he replaced the old one. He also told me that my plan covers filters and I just pay for shipping; I'll remember that when I need a new filter.
On 1/11/25 Jesus came to my house for the annual heater rejuvenation and said my unit is in good shape and running well. I had bought 2 filters before the service in March 2024, one was installed then. Jesus installed the one I had on hand and reminded me that my plan covers filters. He was also thorough in going over the readings he had taken.
On 5/3/25 Michael came to my house for the annual plumbing inspection provided with my Sadie Guard Dog Protection. My water heater is about 7 years old and Michael answered my questions about replacing it. He also told me that Goettl could remove the old one and install new one if I found one more in my budget somewhere else. He even told me the estimated install cost to help with my budgeting.
Andrew came to my house 10/11/2025 for the semi-annual HVAC service under my Sadie Guard Dog Protection. He told me the unit is continuing to function well and needs no repairs.



Professional, knowledgeable and efficient. Very polite and courteous
Also installed surge protectors on the the condensers







We’ve been Goettl customers for years and have always appreciated their service, but Kevin Edwards truly raised the bar. During his visit yesterday, Kevin showed outstanding attention to detail and technical expertise. He thoroughly inspected every part of our HVAC system, documenting his findings with photos and clearly explaining issues that had gone unnoticed through several previous service visits.
Kevin discovered that our HVAC system had been improperly installed when the home was built—something no other technician had identified. He explained how that flaw had created a chain of problems affecting the furnace, cooling system, and overall efficiency. Because the system uses an outdated refrigerant, repairs weren’t a viable long-term solution, and Kevin guided us toward a responsible upgrade plan.
While no homeowner wants to replace a system after only seven years, we’re grateful Kevin uncovered these hidden issues before they caused a catastrophic failure. His thoroughness, honesty, and professionalism turned a potential headache into peace of mind. Kevin is an exceptional representative of Goettl, and we recommend him without hesitation.

I want to express my complete satisfaction with the work performed by Frank Piusseaux, a technician from Goettl.
For months, several technicians tried to identify the issue with my air conditioning unit, but no one could solve it. However, from the moment Frank arrived, he showed great professionalism and dedication. He took the time to carefully investigate the cause of the problem and determined that the issue was a short circuit in the wiring between the thermostat and the unit.
Thanks to his knowledge and effort, my air conditioning system is now working perfectly.
I truly hope that Goettl recognizes the value of having such a skilled, responsible, and committed employee. Technicians like him make a real difference and deserve special recognition, even a financial incentive, for the value they bring to the company.
Thank you very much, Frank, for your excellent work!














Great service great company. Will definitely be using for future HVAC needs.


Great communication.
Explained everything in detail.
Took before and after pictures.














I called Goettl and set up an appointment.
Mike H arrived on time and with his extreme knowledge and experience, he was able to replace the tank and give my system a much needed flush. Mike was so courteous and polite and answered all my questions and gave me advice on the how and why this happened and how to avoid this in the future.
Thank you Goettl and thank you Mike!











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.




Now we have a new flange, installed correctly, and ready for the new toilet!








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

I definitely recommend Goettl for all your needs.

Nick was helpful, friendly and professional in scheduling the appointment around my commitments.
I have used Goettl for nearly 20 years for my plumbing and HVAC needs. I recommend them as reliable, professional and easy to work with.



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!


Hopefully, we will get Jack for our next service call.







Robert, Tyler, Adrian & Luis, Thank you all so much.
