Is your AC acting unusual? 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 afflicted with. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique remedy. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's possible 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 distinct, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular 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 find potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are a few of the typical 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 blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away 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 explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner right away to reduce the amount of damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it could be because of a variety of reasons. One frequent 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 chilled 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 very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged insulation can also cause the buildup of cold air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to switch off the air conditioning and allow it to thaw completely. When the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including replacing 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 may be an indication that your AC needs service. One frequent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a worn-out 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Similarly, 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 air conditioning system not blowing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another possible reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioner. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To address the issue, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
A home cooling system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if required. Additionally, a malfunctioning 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 repair 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 peculiar noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning 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.
Furthermore, a blocked air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.
As with many air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning
If your air conditioning equipment is having issues, call the professionals at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair in Northglenn. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a persistent issue and requires repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If you need air conditioning installation in Northglenn, the first-rate crew at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.