Is your air conditioner acting strange? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the kind of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific remedy. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's possible 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 distinct, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioning 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 to be fixed. This helps locate potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of the top AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
An air conditioner 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, dust or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another typical cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner right away to reduce the amount of damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it could stem from a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
An additional reason your air conditioner is frozen might be low refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also lead to the buildup of cold air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to switch off the air conditioner and allow it to thaw completely. After the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by an expert.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be a signal that your AC needs service. One common cause of a loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a failing fan belt. The loudness might also be caused by loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings, which can cause vibrations and rattling sounds.
A noisy air conditioner also may have a dirty condenser coil, which can prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Similarly, a damaged 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 air conditioner not making cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in not enough 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, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioner. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To fix this, it's important to examine the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
A home cooling system might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, check the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from switching on. In this case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if needed. In addition, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and fix the unit.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they should, occasionally they also make strange noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a dirty air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner problems, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces
If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, contact the professionals at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces for quality air conditioning repair in Alliance. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a chronic issue and needs 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 Alliance, the top-notch crew at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces can help guide you through the process.