
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 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!



