
AC Repair Warning Signs: Hot Spots
When living in hot weather conditions any issues with your air conditioning system can be concerning. Hot spots throughout your home are a warning sign that your AC may be in trouble. An ideally sized and properly installed air conditioner should cool your home evenly. So, experiencing hot spots could indicate a problem with your AC system.
While not every hot spot is directly related to air conditioning problems, it’s crucial to have any issues diagnosed professionally to prevent further damage. Entrust your air conditioning repairs to our team of experts to ensure your system receives the necessary attention to perform efficiently, especially during the hottest months of the year.
This article discusses the common warning signs of air conditioning issues, focusing on hot spots in your home and their potential causes.
1. Degraded or Insufficient Insulation
One reason for hot spots in your home could be degraded or insufficient insulation. Damaged insulation can result in excessive heat transfer due to moisture, pests, or low R-value. Remember, insulation works both ways, so if your home lacks proper insulation, it can absorb excessive heat, leading to hot spots.
Identifying Insulation Issues
- Moisture Damage: Insulation can degrade due to moisture buildup, leading to microbial growth and reduced effectiveness.
- Pest Infestation: Pests like rodents can damage insulation, creating gaps and reducing its ability to regulate temperature.
- Age and Wear: Over time, insulation can deteriorate, especially in areas with extreme temperature changes, leading to decreased efficiency.
Effects of Insufficient Insulation
- Uneven Temperatures: Insufficient insulation can result in hot spots in some areas and cold spots in others, making your home uncomfortable.
- Increased Energy Bills: Poor insulation can make your unit work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to higher energy costs.
- Reduced Indoor Air Quality: Insufficient insulation can allow pollutants from outside to enter your home, affecting indoor air quality.
Insulation Types and R-Value
- Fiberglass: Commonly used in homes, fiberglass insulation is effective and has a high R-value per inch.
- Cellulose: Composed of recycled paper, cellulose insulation is eco-friendly and has good thermal performance.
- Spray Foam: Provides an air-tight seal and can be used in hard-to-reach areas, but may be more expensive.
Benefits of Upgrading Insulation
- Improved Comfort: Proper insulation helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home, eliminating hot spots.
- Energy Savings: Upgrading insulation can reduce energy bills by improving your home’s energy efficiency.
- Environmental Impact: By reducing your energy consumption, upgraded insulation can help lower your carbon footprint.
Insulation Inspection and Replacement
- Professional Inspection: A professional can assess your current insulation and recommend upgrades or replacements.
- DIY Inspection: You can visually inspect your insulation for signs of damage, such as gaps, moisture, or pest infestation.
- Replacement Considerations: When replacing insulation, consider factors like R-value, material, and installation method to ensure optimal performance.
2. Damaged Air Ducts
Another common issue that can cause hot spots is damaged air ducts. Central air conditioning systems utilize ducts for distributing cooled air throughout your home. If these ducts are damaged or leaking, the affected areas won’t receive the right amount of cooling. Ducts passing through unconditioned areas, like the attic, can also pull in hot air, making your AC work harder than necessary.
Types of Duct Damage
- Leaking Ducts: Holes, cracks, or disconnected joints in ductwork can allow cooled air to escape before reaching the intended area.
- Collapsed Ducts: Pressure imbalances or physical damage can cause sections of ductwork to collapse, restricting airflow.
- Restricted Ducts: Blockages from debris, dust, or pests can restrict airflow, leading to uneven cooling.
Signs of Damaged Air Ducts
- Uneven Cooling: Hot spots in some areas of your home while others remain cool.
- Increased Energy Bills: The system works harder to compensate for the loss of cooled air.
- Visible Damage: Visibly damaged or disconnected ducts in inaccessible areas like the attic or crawl space.
Causes of Duct Damage
- Age: Older ductwork may deteriorate, especially if not properly maintained.
- Poor Installation: Improperly installed ducts are more prone to damage and leaks.
- Pests: Rodents and insects can cause damage by chewing through ductwork.
Effects of Damaged Air Ducts
- Reduced Efficiency: Leaks and blockages can reduce your HVAC’s efficiency, increasing energy consumption.
- Poor Indoor Air Quality: Leaks in ductwork cause dust, allergens, and pollutants to enter the air, affecting indoor air quality.
- System Strain: Increased strain on the HVAC system can lead to premature wear and tear, resulting in more frequent air conditioning repairs.

Duct Repair and Maintenance
- Professional Inspection: A professional HVAC technician can inspect your ductwork for damage and recommend air conditioning repairs.
- Duct Sealing: Sealing leaks and gaps in ductwork can improve efficiency and reduce energy waste.
- Duct Replacement: Replacing ductwork may be necessary to ensure optimal performance in severe damage or old-age cases.
3. Faulty Thermostats/Poor Placement
If you have a zoned cooling system, ensure each thermostat is set correctly. A faulty thermostat in a particular zone can lead to discomfort. For homes without zoned systems, a thermostat placed in an area that is not representative of the overall temperature can result in uneven cooling. Goettl can help diagnose and resolve thermostat issues to ensure your home stays comfortable.
Common Thermostat Problems
- Incorrect Temperature Readings: A faulty thermostat may display inaccurate temperature readings, leading to improper cooling.
- Unresponsiveness: The thermostat may not respond to changes in settings or fail to turn the HVAC system on/off as intended.
- Erratic Behavior: The thermostat may exhibit erratic behavior, such as frequent cycling or sudden temperature changes.
Impact of Faulty Thermostats
- Uneven Cooling: Incorrect thermostat readings can result in some areas of the home being too hot or too cold.
- Energy Waste: A malfunctioning thermostat can cause the HVAC system to run unnecessarily, leading to higher energy bills.
- Discomfort: Inaccurate temperature control can lead to discomfort for occupants, especially during extreme weather conditions.
Thermostat Placement Considerations
- Proximity to Heat Sources: Thermostats near heat sources like lamps or appliances may give inaccurate readings.
- Sun Exposure: Direct sunlight can affect thermostat readings, leading to incorrect temperature settings.
- Airflow Obstructions: Thermostats placed near furniture or curtains may not accurately sense room temperature.
Thermostat Troubleshooting and Solutions
- Calibration: A professional HVAC technician can calibrate the thermostat to ensure accurate temperature readings.
- Relocation: If the thermostat is poorly placed, relocating it to a more central and representative location can improve performance.
- Replacement: In cases of irreparable damage or outdated thermostats, replacing the unit with a newer model may be necessary.
Benefits of Professional Thermostat Services
- Optimized Comfort: Professional thermostat services can ensure that your HVAC system maintains optimal comfort levels throughout your home.
- Energy Efficiency: Properly functioning thermostats can help reduce energy waste and lower monthly utility bills.
- Long-Term Savings: Investing in thermostat maintenance and repairs can increase the lifespan of your HVAC system, saving you money on costly replacements.
Take Action Today!
If you’re experiencing hot spots in your home, addressing the underlying issues promptly is crucial. Professional diagnosis and repairs can help maintain even cooling throughout your home, ensuring comfort during the hot summer. Contact Goettl today for expert assistance with your air conditioning system.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say About Us






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



Thank you Jesus!
Adrianna Cardenas
Tyler Leija came to my home and flushed out my two water heater’s. This had never been done to the home since it was purchased in 2017. Let me tell you the stuff that came out of the water heater’s was an eye opener! It was filled with so much calcium deposits. Tyler was very knowledgeable and explained everything going on. Thank you Tyler for coming to our home and flushing out our water heaters.











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!


As always great experience with Goettl services and staff. 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!


Edit 5/30/2025: It was A/C rejuvenation time and she needed a little maintenance work done. Andrew Morgan came out to give her the attention she needed this time. He diagnosed the issue, thoroughly explained what was going on and what was needed to help keep her in good working condition, and proceeded to take care of things today - which I greatly appreciated! Would recommend him to anyone.
Edit 11/22/2024: Since Google doesn't allow you to leave another review for the same company, I'm editing a previous one to add a new review for Matthew Lopez. It was time for my furnace rejuvenation and fortunately it was a cool enough day to turn the heater on for the first time. He was prompt, friendly and knew his stuff. He took his time checking things out and made sure I didn't have any questions or issues before he left. Because I have allergies and pets, he did tell me about an air purification system that I might want to consider in the future, which I appreciated. Would definitely recommend him and Goettl.
Edit 12/23/2022: previously I've used them for plumbing but today I used their AC/Heating service. My poor system decided it was time to go on one of our coldest nights. Called very very early and had someone out that morning to triage what needed to be done (Billy) and then Raymond and Manny G came out and installed my new unit and a new thermostat. Everyone was friendly, informative, didn't mind questions, let me know what was happening along the way and Raymond even cleaned up after they were done! Thanks guys!
I've used Goettl a few times for plumbing issues and have always found them to be very communicative, knowledgeable, polite and friendly. Ralph was the latest one to come out and I appreciate the way he listened to me and answered my questions. Even more importantly, I appreciate the price! I've recommended them to family, friends and co-workers as a company that can be trusted. Nice to know I'm in good hands.










Was very friendly and informative.
Good job Eric!
Thank you Goettl!


On time.
Answered my questions to my satisfaction.
Took care of drain problem quickly.
Work space was cleaned.
I highly recommend Corey and Goettl



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.


Thanks Goettl for sending such a great employee to our house 👏 !
And more importantly thanks IVAN for outstanding job ! 👏 👏👏👏👏🙏🙏



He repaired our toilet in a very timely manner and left the room tidy
Would highly recommend Adam










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 appreciate Goettl being professional and respectful of my home thank you
Highly recommended company!


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

Greg Sanches


Thank you Jef, for helping me keep my home cozy and safe.



I especially want to give a shout out to Connor, who did the replacement, he was awesome. He was respectful and cleaned up afterwards. I even commented on how impressed I was that he was able to fit everything needed in a small space.
Overall I would recommend Goettl services especially in an inconvenient situation like mine. They will make you a priority.

This appointment was to check that my heater is working properly before winter arrives.








Given the extent of the work I need to get multiple quotes and some companies insist on expensive trip charges (one up to $500) to have a “specialist” assess before providing a quote for the work.
These guys were timely, transparent and uncomplicated. I appreciate Shane for quickly putting together an estimate before even leaving the house, providing multiple options at various price point and without pressure of upfront commitment.
I would feel confident moving forward with these guys. Thank you Shane!







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.




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!


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.




