During the hot summer months, your air conditioner can be your best friend. It keeps you cool and comfortable inside when the thermometer outside is close to its breaking point, and doesn’t require a lot of attention most of the time. When your unit does have something to say however, it will either give you subtle hints or make its needs known loud and clear.

We’ve got some obvious, and not so obvious, things you can look for to know if your air conditioner is in need of repair or replacement.

You’re hearing strange noises. HVAC units are made up of many moving components and any one of them can fail at any time. If you hear sounds that don’t seem normal, it’s time to call in an HVAC technician to evaluate.

Something smells funny. The same parts that can make odd noises can produce weird smells if something is wrong. You may also have an unwelcome guest that died inside your ductwork which will need to be removed. Whatever it is, you’ll want to have it taken care of before it leads to additional problems.

Higher energy bills. If you notice your energy bills are creeping up or you see drastic increases, the culprit could be your air conditioner. Poorly maintained or damaged units can cause the system to work twice as hard to keep up. Get it checked out by a professional because the price you’ll end up paying to the electric company will be far more than what could be a simple repair.

The air is warm when it should be cold. This is one of the most obvious indicators that you’ve got a problem on your hands. You can change your filter and clear away debris and dirt from your outdoor unit but if that doesn’t help bring in a licensed HVAC company to give your unit a full inspection.

Indoor humidity. If the air inside is as or more humid than outside, your air conditioner is telling you that it’s not working the way it should. Don’t dismiss this cry for help.

Your air conditioning won’t turn on. No explanation needed. Check the breaker and if that’s not the problem call someone ASAP.

Turning on and off more frequently. Most people think that the air just turns on and off when the temperature rises, and in most instances that is true. But if you are noticing that this is happening a lot and you aren’t creating additional heat in your home, there could be a malfunction within your system that needs to be addressed.

Pooling water. Air conditioning units are designed to pull humidity out of the air and replace it with cool dry air. The moisture should be drained out of your home, so if you see standing water call a professional immediately. Don’t ignore puddles. Not only can the reasons for them cause further damage to your HVAC unit, water is your home’s #1 enemy when it comes to causing structural damage.

Maybe you need just minor repairs to your old buddy or you have a serious problem that may require getting a new BFF. Either way, it’s important to understand the signs your air conditioner is sending. Texas Ace Heating & Air will inspect the problem, present you with your options and get you back on track before you know it. We’re the best at keeping North Texas cool. Call us at 817-240-6701 or contact us online with all you’re A/C repair and replacement needs.