Is your air conditioner acting weird? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms 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 unique 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 air conditioning system.
While the symptoms are often unique, 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 locating any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or service. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of of the typical AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove excess 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 potential cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning 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 make sure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.
What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it might be because of a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
Another reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised 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 switch off the air conditioning so it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including exchanging the air filter and having the system inspected annually by an expert.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a signal that the unit needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a failing fan belt. The loudness could 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 obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Additionally, a broken 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 AC not producing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another potential reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioning. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To rectify this, it's important to check the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
An air conditioner might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, check the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from starting. If that's the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. Also, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can stop 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.
Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they should, at times they also make weird noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a clogged air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.
As with a lot of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling
If your cooling system is having trouble, contact the professionals at Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Athol. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a continual issue and demands 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 you need air conditioning installation in Athol, the top-notch crew at Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling can help guide you through the process.
