Is your air conditioner acting unusual? If so, it's good to pay attention because it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct repair. By recognizing the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the air conditioning system.
While the symptoms are often very different, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioner maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as looking for any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or repair. This helps find potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are some of of the typical AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another possible cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to prevent damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it could be because of a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be reduced refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also cause the buildup of chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to turn off the system and allow it to thaw completely. When the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a skilled technician.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be an indication that your AC needs service. One frequent cause of a loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket can also be caused by loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings, which can cause vibrations and rattling sounds.
A noisy air conditioner also could have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Similarly, a broken or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an AC not producing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another potential reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioning. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To address this, it's important to inspect the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
A home cooling system might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from starting. In this case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if needed. In addition, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and repair the unit.
Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they are supposed to, sometimes they also make peculiar noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a dirty air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner problems, the root cause of uncommon noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Western Mechanical, Inc.
If your cooling system is having problems, call the professionals at Western Mechanical, Inc. for quality air conditioning repair in Cache Valley. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a persistent issue and demands repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Cache Valley, the first-rate crew at Western Mechanical, Inc. can help guide you through the process.