Is your AC acting strange? There's a good chance 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 weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific remedy. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's possible to 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 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 to be fixed. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are a few of the top AC problems and the indications you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
A cooling system leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another potential reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, 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 promptly to avoid damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Routine 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 happening.
What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it could be because of a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of frigid air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also lead to the buildup of cold air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to turn off the air conditioning so it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. 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 a sign that your AC 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 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 obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Similarly, a damaged or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an AC not making 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 insufficient cool air. Another possible source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels can 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 address this, it's important to examine the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
Your air conditioning system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix 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 keep the air conditioner from switching on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and replace it, if required. Additionally, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can stop 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 are supposed to, occasionally they also make peculiar noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can cause 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 make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with a lot 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 Stanford Heating & Cooling
If your air conditioner is having problems, contact the professionals at Stanford Heating & Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Bloomfield. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a chronic issue and demands repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you need air conditioning installation in Bloomfield, the high-quality crew at Stanford Heating & Cooling can help guide you through the process.
