The last thing you want on a hot, muggy day is a broken air conditioner. For most of us, problems with the AC are impossible to decipher and can be extremely hard to DIY. It's something that unfortunately requires a lot of technical knowledge and unique tools. These are some common signs that you can look out for that may indicate you need to get your air conditioner inspected, repaired, or replaced.

1. Strange Sounds

Grinding, squeaking, or metal-like sounds are something you never want to hear from your air conditioner. While some noise is expected, it should sound healthy, consistent, and just barely detectable. Groaning sounds are a sign that something's up. If that's the case, you should hire a professional AC contractor to assess the issue.

2. Odd Smells

Your AC should be putting out clean, neutral-smelling air. You really shouldn't notice a smell at all. If you do, you might have an issue with mold inside the unit or the ductwork. There could also be a burned-out wire that's not operating efficiently. In any case, any smell you notice should be addressed immediately. Mold can make you and your family sick, especially if it's being circulated all around your home by a faulty AC unit.

3. Higher Than Average Energy Bills

If you notice inconsistent energy bills or a higher-than-average month, it might be due to your air conditioning unit. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air conditioning already accounts for nearly 12% of home energy costs. If your bill accounts for more than that share, you should have your AC unit inspected. This issue could be costing you extra money on a daily basis. Nobody needs that!.

4. Warm Air

This one is a tad bit obvious. If your AC is blowing out warm air instead of cold, you can be sure it's time to take a closer look. The only way to determine the root cause is to take the unit apart. This should only be performed by a licensed professional. Fumbling around with your AC unit could be dangerous and could cause more damage. Ultimately, warm air could just be a problem with your ductwork, but it also may be time for an upgraded unit. An air conditioner contractor should come and inspect your AC right away if you notice warm air emitting from it.

5. Old Age

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average lifespan of an AC unit is 10-15 years. However, with proper maintenance, most AC units can last up to 20 years. You can prolong this lifespan by having routine maintenance done on your unit by a certified air conditioner contractor.

6. Weak Airflow

A properly running air conditioner should have strong, consistent airflow throughout your home. If you notice a sudden change or it's taking longer to cool your home, it could be due to a failing compressor or a problem in your ducts. A new compressor can be expensive, and because they aren't always worth the cost, you may need to replace your entire AC unit outright if it fails. An air conditioner contractor can help you decide the best course of action.

7. Moisture Build-Up

A little bit of water dripping from your AC unit is normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, a large leak or increased moisture around your unit may indicate a refrigerant leak. You may notice ice forming around your lines near the condenser. A refrigerant leak can be very dangerous to deal with yourself and can lead to mold and water damage. Freon is also poisonous and should only be dealt with by a professional. If this problem persists, you may notice increased humidity inside your home. If you let this one slide too long, you'll notice mold and mildew growth, and probably a nasty smell along with it. A professional contractor can help you with that.

You definitely don't want to wait until it's scorching hot outside and your air conditioner is no longer working at all. There are a number of problems that could necessitate a service call. If you notice any of these signs, you should call Joe East One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning for expert AC repair, installation, and service at an affordable price.