Air conditioners rarely fail without warning. In South Florida, where the system runs almost every day, small problems tend to grow quickly once the real heat arrives. Catching them early usually means a smaller repair bill.
Watch for these: air from the vents that feels cool but not cold; the system running constantly without reaching the set temperature; water around the air handler or a drain line that isn't dripping outside; ice on the copper lines or the indoor coil; new buzzing, clicking, or grinding sounds; and a power bill that jumps without any change in how you use the house.
Some of these have simple causes. A clogged condensate drain is one of the most common calls we get in Miami, and it's usually a quick fix before it becomes a water-damage problem. Ice on the lines often points to low airflow or low refrigerant, and running the system that way can damage the compressor.
If you notice any of these, turn the system off if it's icing or leaking and call for a diagnosis. We'll tell you what failed, what it costs, and whether the repair makes sense for the age of your unit.