AC systems rarely die without warning. Most failures are preceded by weeks or months of symptoms that homeowners either miss or ignore. Catching these early almost always means a cheaper repair -- and keeps you from losing cooling in the middle of July.
Warm air from the vents
If your system is running but blowing warm or room-temperature air, the most common causes are low refrigerant (a leak), a failed compressor, or a problem with the condenser unit outside. None of these are DIY fixes -- turn the system off to avoid damaging the compressor further and call an HVAC tech.
Weak airflow
Poor airflow from registers that used to be strong usually points to a clogged air filter (change it yourself first), a failing blower motor, a disconnected duct, or a failing compressor. If changing the filter doesn't help, you need a tech.
Unusual sounds
Sounds that weren't there before are always worth investigating. Grinding indicates motor bearing failure. Squealing or screeching often means a belt or bearing issue. Banging or clanking can indicate a loose or broken internal component. Clicking at startup that doesn't stop can indicate a relay failure. The sooner you act on these sounds, the smaller the repair.
Moisture or ice around the unit
Ice forming on the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines indicates either severely restricted airflow (dirty filter or blocked vents) or low refrigerant. Water pooling around the indoor unit is usually a clogged condensate drain -- a simpler fix. Either way, ice on the system means shut it off and call for service.
High electric bills without changed usage
If your summer utility bills are noticeably higher than prior years but nothing about your usage has changed, the system is working harder than it should to produce the same cooling. Dirty coils, low refrigerant, duct leaks, or an aging compressor are common causes.
Bottom line
Most of these symptoms are repairable -- and much less expensive to fix when caught early. Turn off the system if it's making unusual sounds or showing ice, and call an HVAC company that gives you a written diagnosis before any work starts.
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