Is your air conditioner acting unusual? 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 odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique repair. By knowing the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.
While the symptoms are often unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine AC maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as finding any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or repair. This helps locate potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are a few of the common 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 blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another possible explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner right away to prevent damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, checking 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 AC is freezing up, it may stem from a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be low refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged 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 switch off the air conditioner so it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including changing 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 sign that it needs service. One prevalent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket could also be the result of loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings, which can cause vibrations and rattling sounds.
A noisy air conditioner also might have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Additionally, a damaged or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioning system not making cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another plausible reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to 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 address the issue, it's important to examine 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 switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, inspect 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 stop the air conditioner from starting. In that case, check the thermostat and change it, if needed. Additionally, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and service the unit.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they ought to, at times they also make weird noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a blocked air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning
If your air conditioning equipment is having trouble, reach out to the professionals at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair in Thedford. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and needs constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Thedford, the top-notch crew at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.