The heat and humidity of summer are great for days spent at the pool or lake, but they can be miserable if you're at home without air conditioning. If your home has central AC, it should cool your house to the temperature you set on your thermostat.

However, this doesn't always happen. Sometimes an AC system isn't working correctly, leaving you sweating at home. To help you determine if your system needs repairs, check out these top signs that tell you it's time to call the professionals.

Your ducts blow hot air

If you're sweating inside your home, you might want to check the air coming from your vents. This air should be cool. If it's hot air, your blower is working, but something isn't working properly within your AC system. It shouldn't blow hot air unless you turn the AC off and the fan or heater on.

Your home won't get cool enough

When you test the vents, you might feel air that's neither hot nor cold. It might be room temperature air or slightly cool air. In these situations, you'll probably have trouble getting your system to cool your house to the temperature on your thermostat. Therefore, if you're experiencing problems with your home not getting cool enough, you might need help from an expert. Your system might need some coolant, as low coolant causes this issue.

Your system is making strange sounds

You can also consider calling an HVAC company if you hear strange sounds coming from your AC system. An AC system will produce a sound when running, but it's more of a humming sound. You shouldn't hear clunking or clanging sounds from this system. If you do, you need an HVAC company's help.  

Your AC won't turn on

The most obvious sign that you need to hire a heating and air company is when your system won't turn on. For example, if you adjust the thermostat to "cool" and reduce the temperature, the system should start running shortly afterward. What if it won't turn on when you do these things? This problem can result for several reasons, but you'll likely need an expert to help you figure it out.

Call for HVAC repairs

Calling for HVAC repairs is necessary when you experience these problems. You might need HVAC repairs for other reasons, as well. A local HVAC company will gladly come to your home to make the necessary repairs to ensure that your home stays cool this summer.