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 sort of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct remedy. By identifying the specific symptoms, you can figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.
While the symptoms are often very different, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioning 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 find potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of the common AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Do AC Systems Leak?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an AC 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 slow or stopped up with dirt, debris 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 allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to prevent damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, taking a look at the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from happening.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your air conditioning is freezing up, it might stem from a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause 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 really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also lead to the buildup of chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down the air conditioning so it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. 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 an indication that your AC needs service. One common cause of a very loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The racket might 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 obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Similarly, a broken or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioning system not making cold air is a very dirty 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 potential cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, which can result in 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 inspect the air filter and change 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 repair this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from starting. In that case, check the thermostat and change it, if required. In addition, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and fix the unit.
Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they ought to, at times they also make strange noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, 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 many 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 Pratt Brothers
If your air conditioning equipment is having trouble, contact the professionals at Pratt Brothers for quality air conditioning repair in Jefferson. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a persistent issue and requires frequent 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 need air conditioning installation in Jefferson, the first-rate crew at Pratt Brothers can help guide you through the process.