Is your air conditioning acting weird? 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 suffering from. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique fix. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the air conditioning system.
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 service. This helps locate potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some of of the top AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to leak.
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 malfunctioning pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from happening.
What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it might stem from a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted 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.
An additional 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 damaged insulation can also result in 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 air conditioning 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 exchanging the air filter and having the system inspected annually by an expert.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be an indication that it needs service. One prevalent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The loudness might also be caused by 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. In addition, a broken or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioning system not producing 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 a lack of cool air. Another potential source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may 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 the AC not to blow cold air. To rectify this, it's important to examine the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
Your air conditioning system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from starting. In that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. Additionally, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and service the unit.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they are supposed to, sometimes they also make strange noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a clogged 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 predicaments, 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 Farnell Mechanical, Inc.
If your cooling system is having trouble, call the professionals at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. for quality air conditioning repair in Auburn and Opelika. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a continual issue and needs frequent 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 could use air conditioning installation in Auburn and Opelika, the first-rate crew at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. can help guide you through the process.