
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




I believe he is a true asset to the Goettl team!!






I had such a good experience with Goettl the last time, that I decided to use them again for HVAC. Kevin was the technician assigned to my job. He was very professional and provided me with a thorough and accurate diagnosis. He patiently explained everything to me and walked me through the recommended repairs and even shared alternative solutions. I have the information I need and feel comfortable moving forward. I’m in good hands. I will be requesting him as my technician for all future calls.

Like most people, I typically search for the cheapest service I can find, and I end up having other plumbers come out to check out issues with my tankless water heater, who run their mouths, upsell parts (that don't seem to be causing the problem), and generally don't really know enough about tankless water heaters. This time, I decided to go with an experienced company with a good reputation, and I am glad that I did - Goettl's prices are very reasonable and worth the service they provide.
Juan, was very knowledgeable, patient, and persistent. Even better, he was careful and humble enough to acknowledge that he didn't know everything and checked with the manufacturer at every step. Juan spent a great deal of time helping me diagnose the problem (which always seems impossible to ascertain quickly with machines like tankless water heaters), and went above and beyond to ensure that my guests and I had hot water tonight.
Juan never got frustrated; he handled everything carefully and made sure to clean up after himself when he was done. If I can have Juan take care of all of my plumbing or AC issues in the future, I will. And if you're reading reviews to decide whether to call Goettl for your issue, I would encourage you to trust their service and experience. My experience with Juan was definitely memorable.
We now have hot water again. Can I get a "hell yeah"?

Like most people, I typically search for the cheapest service I can find, and I end up having other plumbers come out to check out issues with my tankless water heater, who run their mouths, upsell parts (that don't seem to be causing the problem), and generally don't really know enough about tankless water heaters. This time, I decided to go with an experienced company with a good reputation, and I am glad that I did - Goettl's prices are very reasonable and worth the service they provide.
Juan, was very knowledgeable, patient, and persistent. Even better, he was careful and humble enough to acknowledge that he didn't know everything and checked with the manufacturer at every step. Juan spent a great deal of time helping me diagnose the problem (which always seems impossible to ascertain quickly with machines like tankless water heaters), and went above and beyond to ensure that my guests and I had hot water tonight.
Juan never got frustrated; he handled everything carefully and made sure to clean up after himself when he was done. If I can have Juan take care of all of my plumbing or AC issues in the future, I will. And if you're reading reviews to decide whether to call Goettl for your issue, I would encourage you to trust their service and experience. My experience with Juan was definitely memorable.
We now have hot water again. Can I get a "hell yeah"?








Edit 11/10:2025: Had Frank Mcbride again and as usual he was great and fast. He helped explain everything.
Edit 07/10/2025: Matthew Lopez was super friendly and did an amazing job checking out our AC system and cleaning it.
Edit 03/15/2025: Dareen Guerra was super friendly and helped us identify what was leaking water super fast
Edit 12/17/2024: Frank McBride was great and fast
Edit 11/11/2024: Jeremy was great and helped us understand what was going on with our HVAC
Miguel was extremely helpful and quick to fix. 10/10 recommend Miguel and goettl

My house is a 1944 home with some old pipes. There's no "let out"
Plumbing specialist Andrew came up with the option to remove the toilet and use the camera and auger. Found out the problem was one of the pipes below is cast iron with jagged edges,in which tp would get caught up and in time caused the clog.
He cleared the pipe and everything is draining properly now!
He did mention on replacing the old pipe because of the jagged edge situation, but my budget is a bit on the tight side in which I have to put it off a little longer, he understood. We both agreed on limiting tp flushing,especially with little ones.
All in all great experience 5 stars to Goettl and 5 stars to Andrew, thanks man!
PS: I paid $408 for everything
For me a reasonable price due to the labor I saw and tools that were used, but ultimately my toilet fluhes and my shower drains!








As usual we are very satisfied with Goettl





We had a concerning plumbing issue, and Geo was able to diagnose the problem with impressive speed and accuracy. What I really appreciated was that he took the time to clearly explain what was wrong, showed me what he was looking at, and gave me honest, practical advice on the best solution.
He had the issue resolved in no time at all. The whole experience was seamless, from the quick scheduling to the efficient and high-quality work. It’s so refreshing to find a technician who is not only a master of his craft but also a genuinely kind and trustworthy person.
A huge thank you to Geo and the entire team at Goettl. You have a customer for life! If you need a plumber, ask for Geo—you’ll be in the best hands

We had a concerning plumbing issue, and Geo was able to diagnose the problem with impressive speed and accuracy. What I really appreciated was that he took the time to clearly explain what was wrong, showed me what he was looking at, and gave me honest, practical advice on the best solution.
He had the issue resolved in no time at all. The whole experience was seamless, from the quick scheduling to the efficient and high-quality work. It’s so refreshing to find a technician who is not only a master of his craft but also a genuinely kind and trustworthy person.
A huge thank you to Geo and the entire team at Goettl. You have a customer for life! If you need a plumber, ask for Geo—you’ll be in the best hands



We had Edgar come out to inspect our new home today and he did a very thorough inspection. He made sure the unit was checked so when the warranty company comes out we have all information possible. Amazing customer service and very personable
Edgar came back after a warranty inspection was done on the home by the install company. He found errors and was amazing at documentation of the issues. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
Peter and Josue came out today to do an additional check on our unit with humidity issues. The weather was not conducive to having the outdoor pressures checked and they were very thorough with an interior check. Very professional and knowledgeable.
Tyler b was very professional today and gave great recommendations for upkeep of our unit in



Highly recommend Goettl


They had the right solution in my time of need. I'll be returning for future services, no doubt.








He was my technician from another company. I’m always happy with his service that’s why I’m following him.
Thank you Colby , you are the best technician I’ve ever had .
I really do appreciate your work!!


He arrived promptly and was very professional.
We are first time customers and from now on we are calling Goettl for all our plumbing needs.
Thank You.



Andrew came in and unclogged the bathroom sink and cleared out the line . We used the Smart Sadie program for it.
Thanks Andrew and Ian and Goettl!







Overall, an awesome tech. I would love for him to be my designated technician for any future service calls for my AC unit. Thank you for a wonderful experience!


I’m very happy with the seamless experience.



Great communication




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.


I am very thankful for their help today.


































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!

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.

















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!



