In Fort Myers and Cape Coral, a broken AC isn't just uncomfortableāit's dangerous. Florida summers can push indoor temperatures past 95Ā°F when your system fails. Here are five warning signs your AC is about to break down, and what to do before it's too late.
1. Weak Airflow or Warm Air: If your vents aren't blowing cold air strongly, your compressor may be failing or refrigerant could be low. In Naples' humidity, this often means your system is working overtime and about to give out. Don't waitāthis gets expensive fast.
2. Strange Noises: Grinding, squealing, or banging sounds from your outdoor unit or air handler aren't normal. These noises in Fort Myers AC systems usually mean worn bearings, loose components, or failing motors. Catching these early prevents $500-2,000 repairs.
3. Moisture or Leaks Around Unit: Seeing water pooling around your indoor unit? Your drain line is clogged or your drain pan is rusted through. In Southwest Florida's humidity, this leads to water damage and mold growth quickly. A $150 service call now beats $3,000 in water damage later.
ā ļø Emergency Warning Sign
If your AC is freezing up or icing over, turn it off immediately and call for emergency service. Running a frozen AC system in Cape Coral will destroy your compressorāturning a $200 repair into a $2,500 replacement.
4. Frequent Cycling or Won't Stay On: If your AC in Bonita Springs is turning on and off constantly (short-cycling) or won't turn on at all, you likely have electrical issues, thermostat problems, or a failing compressor. This dramatically increases your electric bill while reducing cooling.
5. Rising Energy Bills: A sudden spike in your electric bill without changing usage? Your AC is working harder due to dirty coils, low refrigerant, or failing components. Fort Myers homeowners see 20-40% higher bills when systems need maintenance.
What to Do: Don't wait for complete failure during a July heatwave. If you notice any of these signs in your Southwest Florida home, schedule a diagnostic service call. HomePros offers same-day emergency service throughout Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, and Bonita Springs. Our technicians use professional diagnostic equipment to identify problems before they become disasters.