Is your air conditioner acting strange? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.
The signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique repair. By recognizing the specific symptoms, it's possible to identify the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.
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 to be fixed. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are some of of the typical AC problems and the signals 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 AC 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 clogged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another possible explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can permit 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 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, taking a look at the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it may stem from a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause a buildup of cold 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 too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also lead to the buildup of frosty air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to switch off the air conditioning so that it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a professional.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be a sign that the unit needs service. One prevalent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing fan belt. The loudness 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Additionally, a broken or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow 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 too cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another plausible source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to 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, it's important to check the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?
Your air conditioning system might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and change it, if necessary. Also, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get a hold of 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 ought to, sometimes they also make peculiar noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems 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 whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.
As with many air conditioner problems, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Contact Your Local AC Experts at Point Heating & Cooling
If your air conditioning equipment is having trouble, call the professionals at Point Heating & Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Plover. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a persistent 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 for repairs. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Plover, the high-quality crew at Point Heating & Cooling can help guide you through the process.