10 Warning Signs Your AC Needs Repair (Before It Breaks Down)

Summer in Northwest Florida isn’t just hot—it’s relentless. When the temperature spikes and humidity sets in, your air conditioner becomes more than a luxury—it’s a lifeline. But what happens when your cooling system starts showing signs of trouble?

The truth is, AC systems rarely fail without warning. If you know what to look for, you can often catch small issues before they become major (and expensive) repairs.

At McCombs Electrical Heating & Air, we’ve been keeping homes cool and comfortable in Milton, Pace, and Pensacola since 1974. In this blog, we’ll walk you through 10 telltale signs your AC might be crying out for help—and what to do next.

1. Warm Air Is Coming From the Vents

Let’s start with the most obvious red flag: your AC is blowing warm or room-temperature air even when set to “cool.”

Possible Causes:

• Low refrigerant levels
• A failing compressor
• Thermostat malfunction
• Dirty or frozen evaporator coils

Why It Matters:

Warm air can signal a critical failure in your cooling cycle. The longer you wait, the more damage your system could suffer, especially if it’s low on refrigerant.

What to Do:

Check the thermostat settings and replace the air filter. If everything seems normal and the air is still warm, it’s time to call McCombs Electrical Heating & Air at (850) 994-5467.

2. Weak or Inconsistent Airflow

Even if your AC is producing cold air, poor airflow can leave you sweating. If your vents feel weak or airflow fluctuates from room to room, your system is not working efficiently.

Common Culprits:

• Blocked or leaky ducts
• Failing blower motor
• Clogged air filter
• Damaged fan or belts

McCombs Electrical Heating & Air Insight:

Inconsistent airflow often points to a larger efficiency problem, which means your AC is using more energy, and your utility bill is going up.

3. Strange Noises You’ve Never Heard Before

AC units aren’t silent, but they shouldn’t sound like they’re falling apart either. If you hear rattling, grinding, buzzing, banging, or squealing, your system is begging for attention.

What Those Sounds Might Mean:

• Grinding = motor or bearing issues
• Rattling = loose components
• Squealing = belt or fan motor problems
• Hissing = possible refrigerant leak

Important: These noises rarely fix themselves and often lead to total system failure if ignored.

4. Your Thermostat Doesn’t Match the Room Temperature

If your thermostat says it’s 72°F, but your sweat says otherwise, your thermostat or sensors could be the problem.

Possible Issues:

• Miscalibrated or aging thermostat
• Faulty sensors
• Electrical problems
• Damaged wiring or relays

Upgrade Option:

Consider a smart thermostat for better accuracy and remote temperature control. McCombs Electrical Heating and Air can help you select and install one that fits your system and lifestyle.

5. Bad Odors When the AC Kicks On

A musty, burning, or foul smell coming from your vents isn’t just unpleasant—it could signal a health or safety risk.

What the Smells May Indicate:

• Musty or mildew: Mold or bacterial buildup in the ductwork or evaporator coil
• Burning: Electrical issues or motor overheating
• Rotten eggs: A dead animal in the ductwork (it happens!)

What to Do:

Don’t mask the smell—solve the root problem. McCombs Electrical Heating & Air offers thorough system inspections and indoor air quality solutions to eliminate odors and prevent mold growth.

6. Visible Leaks or Pooled Water Around the Unit

Finding moisture or puddles near your air handler or outdoor unit is never a good sign. Your AC is designed to manage moisture through its condensate drain, so if water’s leaking, something’s wrong.

Likely Causes:

• Clogged condensate drain line
• Cracked drain pan
• Refrigerant leak (especially if the fluid is oily)

Why This Is Dangerous:

Left unchecked, water leaks can cause mold growth, water damage, and electrical issues inside your home.

7. Ice Buildup on Coils or Refrigerant Lines

If you spot ice forming on the outdoor unit, evaporator coils, or refrigerant lines, your AC is in distress.

Causes of Ice Buildup:

• Dirty air filters or coils
• Blocked airflow
• Low refrigerant levels
• Blower fan issues

Warning:

Letting the unit continue to run while frozen can damage the compressor, a very expensive repair. Turn off the system and call McCombs Electrical Heating & Air immediately.

8. Unusually High Energy Bills

Florida summers will raise your electric bill—that’s no surprise. But if you notice a sudden spike in your energy costs without increased usage, your AC system may be running inefficiently.

Efficiency Issues May Include:

• Dirty filters and coils
• Refrigerant leaks
• Failing components
• Leaky ductwork

McCombs Electrical Heating & Air Solution:

We offer energy-efficiency audits and tune-ups that help identify performance issues early and restore your system to peak condition.

9. Short Cycling: AC Turns On and Off Frequently

Short cycling occurs when your AC starts and stops too frequently without completing a full cooling cycle.

What Causes It:

• Oversized or mismatched unit
• Low refrigerant
• Faulty thermostat
• Electrical or control board issues

Why It Matters:

Short cycling leads to excess wear and tear, higher bills, uneven cooling, and may cause system failure if left unaddressed.

10. Your AC Is Over 10–15 Years Old

Even the best-maintained systems don’t last forever. If your air conditioner is over 10–15 years old and showing any of the above symptoms, it’s time to start planning for repair or replacement.

Signs It’s Time to Replace, Not Repair:

• Frequent service calls
• High repair costs (more than 50% of replacement cost)
• Rising energy bills
• Poor indoor air quality or inconsistent cooling

Bonus: Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient system can cut cooling costs by up to 30% while improving indoor comfort.

What To Do If You Spot One or More of These Signs

Step 1: Don’t Ignore It

Even minor symptoms can lead to catastrophic breakdowns if ignored. Acting early can save you time, money, and sweat.

Step 2: Turn Off the System (If Necessary)

If there’s a leak, ice buildup, burning smell, or loud noise, turn the system off and avoid further damage.

Step 3: Call McCombs Electrical Heating & Air

We offer fast, reliable A/C repair services in Milton, Pace, Pensacola, and surrounding areas. Our certified technicians will quickly diagnose the issue and offer honest, affordable solutions.

How McCombs Electrical Heating & Air Makes A/C Repairs Easy

At McCombs Electrical Heating & Air, we’ve served Northwest Florida homes and businesses for over 51 years. We bring the same level of integrity, care, and technical excellence to every A/C repair job, big or small.

Why Homeowners Trust Us:

• Licensed and experienced HVAC technicians
• Same-day service available in most areas
• Upfront pricing—no hidden fees
• Fully stocked trucks for quick repairs
• Friendly service backed by decades of local reputation

From quick fixes to complex component replacements, we get the job done right the first time.

How to Prevent AC Problems Before They Start

Prevention is the best repair. The best way to avoid these 10 warning signs in the future is to stay ahead of breakdowns with regular maintenance.

Join the McCombs Electrical Heating and Air Comfort Maintenance Plan:

• Two seasonal tune-ups per year
• Priority scheduling
• Discounts on repairs and parts
• Improved energy efficiency
• Longer lifespan for your HVAC system

Let us do the work while you enjoy consistent, worry-free comfort.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for a Breakdown to Call

If you’ve noticed one or more of the signs above, don’t wait for your AC to quit in the middle of a Florida heatwave. Catching the problem early could mean the difference between a quick fix and a full system replacement.

Ready for Reliable HVAC or Electrical Service in Northwest Florida?

McCombs Electrical Heating & Air has proudly served Milton, Pace, and Pensacola since 1974. Whether you need a fast A/C repair, an electrical panel upgrade, or a whole-home generator installation, we deliver expert service backed by over 51 years of trusted local experience.

Call McCombs Electrical Heating & Air at (850) 994-5467 today to schedule your HVAC or electrical service, and experience the difference of a company that combines old-school integrity with modern-day excellence.