Is your air conditioner acting strange? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.
The signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the kind of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, you can narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.
While the symptoms are often unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine AC 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 malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of of the common AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Do AC Systems Leak?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a frequent 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 extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another possible 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 might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to avoid damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from happening.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioning 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 clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
Another reason your air conditioner is frozen might be reduced 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 power down the system and allow it to thaw completely. When the system has thawed, examine 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 might be an indication that the unit needs service. One prevalent cause of a loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness could also be a sign the equipment has 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. Additionally, a defective or old compressor can also be a reason you hear 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 blocked air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another possible cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, which can result in a lack of cool air coming from your AC. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To fix this particular problem, it's important to examine the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
An air conditioner might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, check the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In that case, check the thermostat and change it, if required. Additionally, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can keep 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.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they should, sometimes they also make peculiar noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a dirty air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with a lot of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Assured Appliance & Heating & Air
If your cooling system is having trouble, call the professionals at Assured Appliance & Heating & Air for quality air conditioning repair in Genoa. 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 nagging issue and needs constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Genoa, the first-rate crew at Assured Appliance & Heating & Air can help guide you through the process.
