Extreme Comfort technician conducting ac repair services in Dallas, TX

9 Signs You Need AC Repair Services

**Warning- If your HVAC system is experiencing any of the issues listed below, immediately turn off your air conditioning system and contact a reputable HVAC company for repairs. Continuing to run an AC system that is presenting any of these issues can cause additional, costly damage.

Since we opened for business in 2004 as a licensed and insured HVAC repair and installation company, we have repaired every air conditioning system issue imaginable. Operating across the entire DFW Metroplex, serving homeowners in McKinney, Carrollton, Plano, Addison, and surrounding communities, we’ve seen it all. From compressors covered in ice to an electrocuted lizard on a capacitor, the demands of the North Texas climate expose every flaw, so we have identified several clear signs your AC needs repair.

If your HVAC system shows any of these signs, call for AC repair services immediately.

1) Your Home Doesn’t Feel Comfortable

If your home doesn’t feel as comfortable as it once did, you may need AC Repair Services.  Over time, components in an Air Conditioning System deteriorate and need repair or replacement, especially in a hot climate like Dallas, Texas.  An uncomfortable home may be a simple issue that can be fixed with an AC Repair Service Call.

2) Your AC Is Not Sufficiently Cooling

If your air conditioning and heating system is running, but the airflow is weak, or the air from the vents doesn’t feel cool, you probably need an AC repair service.  This could be a sign of a refrigerant leak, a failed capacitor, a faulty compressor, a blocked vent, or several other issues that indicate you need AC repair.  An air conditioner that is not properly cooling your home is a direct indication that there is an issue with your AC system.

3) Your AC Is Making Strange Noises

Unusual noises from your outdoor compressor or indoor furnace may indicate you need AC repair service.  Squealing, rattling, banging, or grinding are signs that something is loose or that a component is damaged.  Like many HVAC system issues, the longer you wait to call for AC repair, the more money it will cost to fix a potentially simple problem.

Extreme Comfort technician testing refrigerant levels and electrical components on an outdoor AC unit

Professional AC repair service includes checking refrigerant levels, electrical parts, and system performance.

4) Your AC System Is Short-Cycling

If your air conditioner turns on and off without cooling your home, it may be experiencing a problem called “short-cycling”.  Short-cycling is when the AC unit runs in short bursts, frequently turning on and off rather than completing an entire cooling cycle.

Several issues can cause short-cycling, including an oversized AC unit, restricted airflow to the condenser, a faulty thermostat, a refrigerant leak, a failing compressor, and more. If your air conditioner is short-cycling, it is crucial to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified HVAC technician; this is a sign you may need a repair or replacement.

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    5) Unpleasant Odors

    Foul smells or musty odors from the outdoor compressor, the indoor unit, or the air vents in your home are signs of an issue.  This could be a dirty air filter, a water leak causing mold or mildew, or even a dead animal in your AC ducts.

    These unpleasant odors indicate potentially harmful contaminants in the air that your family is inhaling.

    6) There Is Ice On The Outdoor Condenser

    Outdoor AC condenser covered in ice indicating refrigerant or airflow problems

    Ice buildup on an AC unit is a warning sign of airflow restrictions or refrigerant issues.

    Ice forming on the outdoor condenser (AC unit) is a definite sign of a problem with your air conditioning system and may have you asking, “Should I replace or repair my AC unit?”  It is crucial to immediately power off your AC system so the ice can thaw and call for AC repair service.  Continuing to run your air conditioner can cause more damage if it is not serviced immediately.

    7) High Humidity Indoors

    An AC system not only cools the air in your home but also removes the humidity.  An air conditioning unit that is struggling to dehumidify your home is most likely in need of an AC repair service call.

    Climates with excessive humidity may benefit from a whole-house dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.

    8) Water Leaks

    Water leaking from a ceiling caused by HVAC system failure or clogged condensate drain

    Water leaks from HVAC systems can cause major home damage and require immediate professional repair.

    Water leaks around the outdoor compressor (AC Unit), around the furnace, or around the indoor coil are signs that you need an AC repair service call.  A water leak can be a sign of a clogged condensation drain or a refrigerant leak.  In either case, water leaks can cause significant damage, so it is essential to immediately turn off your AC system and call a professional HVAC technician.

    9) Increased Energy Bills

    A sudden increase in your electricity bills without a corresponding change in usage patterns might indicate that your AC unit is working inefficiently due to underlying issues.  We have found that many older AC systems no longer deliver their stated SEER Rating, struggle to maintain their energy efficiency rating, and need more electricity to operate.

    If your air conditioning and heating system displays any of the signs above, we recommend you call a licensed and certified HVAC professional for AC Repair Services. 

    A qualified and reputable HVAC company will thoroughly diagnose your AC system and recommend the necessary repairs or maintenance to ensure your AC operates efficiently and reliably.

    Regular maintenance and prompt repairs will help prolong the life of your air conditioning system and help it run efficiently for years to come.

    The Top FAQ’s That You Need AC Repair

    Q: How long can I safely wait to repair my AC once I notice a sign?

    A: You should call for service right away. Running a failing system, especially one that is frozen, leaking refrigerant, or making unusual noises, can lead to compressor failure. The compressor is the most expensive part to repair or replace.

    Q: What is the most common reason an AC system breaks down in Dallas, Texas?

    A: In the DFW climate, the most common failures are overheated capacitors and refrigerant leaks. Both issues often lead to the compressor overheating and failing.

    Q: Is it cheaper to repair or replace an old AC unit?

    A: Repair is usually recommended for systems under 10 years old. Replacement is typically the better choice if the repair cost exceeds 50 percent of the cost of a new system, or if the AC fails the $5,000 Rule.

    Q: What is the $5,000 Rule for AC replacement?

    A: Multiply your AC unit’s age by the repair cost. If the result exceeds $5,000, replacement is typically the smarter financial decision.
    Example: A 12-year-old system with a $500 repair would be 12 x $500 = $6,000, so replacement makes more sense.

    Q: Why does my AC leak water, and is it serious?

    A: Many leaks are caused by a clogged drain line, which is usually simple to fix. A frozen coil or a refrigerant problem can also cause leaks, and those issues are more serious. Turn off the unit to prevent water damage and schedule service.

    Q: Should I turn off my AC system if it is making strange noises?

    A: Yes. Grinding, rattling, or banging noises usually signal a mechanical issue. Continuing to run the unit can turn a small repair into a major or even full system replacement.

    Q: Why is my AC running but not cooling my home?

    A: Common causes include a dirty air filter, a frozen coil, low refrigerant, a bad capacitor, or a blocked outdoor condenser. Turn off the system and schedule service to protect the compressor.

    Q: What is the average cost of AC repair in Texas?

    A: Most AC repairs in the Dallas area range from $150 to $1,200, depending on the issue. Capacitors and contactors are usually on the lower end. Refrigerant leaks and compressor problems fall on the higher end.

    Q: Can I prevent most AC breakdowns?

    A: Yes, to a degree. Semi-annual 18-point check-ups, regular filter changes, clear airflow around the outdoor unit, and addressing small issues early can help prevent many common AC failures.

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