Is your air conditioner acting unusual? Chances are, 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 experiencing. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific fix. 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 distinct, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual 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 uncover potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are some of the top AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Do AC Systems Leak?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another potential reason for 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. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to avoid damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging 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 conditioning is freezing up, it might be due to 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 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 system and allow it to thaw completely. When the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including changing 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 an indication that the unit needs service. One common cause of a very loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness can 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. In addition, a damaged or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioner 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 not enough cool air. Another potential cause 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. Additionally, 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 Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?
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 cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In that case, check the thermostat and change it, if required. 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 in touch with a professional to inspect and fix the unit.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they ought to, occasionally they also make weird noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a clogged air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can make 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 Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning
If your cooling system is having problems, contact 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 problem, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a persistent issue and requires repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If you need air conditioning installation in Thedford, the top-notch crew at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.