Don’t wait for a breakdown. Spot these issues early and stay cool all season.  Why Now Is the Time to Check Your AC When summer heat rolls in, your air conditioner becomes more than a luxury—it’s essential. But most AC failures don’t happen out of nowhere. They start with warning signs that many homeowners ignore until it’s too late. At Lawrence Air Systems , we’ve seen it all—from units that won’t turn on in July because of a mouse, to skyrocketing energy bills caused by one faulty wire. Here’s how to spot the signs before you're stuck sweating it out. 1. Weak or Warm Airflow If your AC is blowing warm or weak air , that’s a clear signal something’s off—possibly a failing compressor or restricted airflow. A quick HVAC inspection now could save you from a full system failure when it’s 90° outside. 2. Higher Energy Bills (With No Change in Use) If your energy bills are climbing but your usage hasn't changed, your system might be overworking due to internal issues —like dirty coils, low refrigerant, or duct leaks. Tip : Compare last summer’s bills. Even a 10–15% increase is worth investigating. 3. AC Runs Constantly (Or Short Cycles) Your AC should cycle off once it reaches your set temperature. If it’s running non-stop or starting/stopping quickly , you may have a thermostat, compressor, or electrical issue. This also puts extra stress on your system—leading to emergency AC service down the line if ignored. 4. Poor Airflow in Certain Rooms Cool in one room, warm in another? This could be a ductwork issue or failing blower motor . Uneven airflow also puts a strain on the entire HVAC system—and it won’t fix itself. 5. Strange Noises (Banging, Grinding, Hissing) No AC should sound like it’s starting a rock band. If you hear grinding, banging, screeching, or hissing , shut the unit off and call for service immediately. Strange sounds often point to worn bearings, loose parts, or low refrigerant. 6. Leaks or Excess Moisture Around the Unit Water pooling near your indoor unit? That’s often a sign of a clogged condensate drain or refrigerant and electrical issues. Leaks don’t just damage your AC—they can damage your home, too. 7. Bad Odors From Vents A musty smell could be an indication of accumulated dirt/debris in the ductwork or AC components. A burning odor ? That’s likely an electrical issue. Either way, unusual smells are rarely a good sign– time to get the system checked. 8. Thermostat Inaccuracy If your thermostat says 72 but it feels like 82, you may have a calibration problem , bad sensors, or deeper electrical trouble. This affects comfort and efficiency—especially when temperatures spike in June. 9. Ice on the Coils or Outdoor Unit Yes, ice—in the middle of summer. That’s a symptom of refrigerant leaks or airflow problems . Don’t let a frozen system sit. It’ll only get worse. 10. It’s Overdue for Maintenance If your AC hasn’t been inspected in over 12 months, you’re flying blind into the hottest season. Routine maintenance can: Lower your energy bills Extend the life of your system Catch small issues before they turn into emergencies Book Your Annual Maintenance Now — Before It Gets Hot Summer breakdowns don’t just leave you uncomfortable—they leave you scrambling. With Lawrence Air Systems , you can stay ahead of problems with fast, reliable service from the top-rated HVAC team in Southern New England. Call (401) 213-1751