Is your air conditioner acting weird? If so, it's good to pay attention because it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort 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 repair. By knowing the specific symptoms, you can figure out 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 repair. This helps locate potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are a few of the common AC problems and the indications you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
Air conditioning 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 is supposed to take away excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to leak.
Another typical cause of 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. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it may stem from a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to 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 really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also result in the buildup of frosty air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to turn off the system and allow it to thaw completely. After the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including changing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by an expert.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a sign that it needs service. One frequent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket 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 prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Additionally, a damaged 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 blowing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another potential 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 air conditioning. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To fix the issue, it's important to examine the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
An air conditioner might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from switching on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and replace it, if required. In addition, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, 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 running louder than they ought to, at times they also make peculiar noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, 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 many air conditioner woes, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace
If your cooling system is having problems, reach out to the professionals at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace for quality air conditioning repair in Monroe. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and requires 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 Monroe, the high-quality crew at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace can help guide you through the process.
