Is your AC acting unusual? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.
The warning signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct fix. By recognizing 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 unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine AC maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as finding 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 the typical AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
A cooling system leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner 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 come out of the unit.
Another potential cause of 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 malfunctioning 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 make sure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioning is freezing up, it may be due to 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 sometimes causes a buildup of cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
An additional 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 cause the buildup of frosty 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. Once the system has thawed, examine 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 a skilled technician.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a sign that the unit needs service. One frequent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The loudness 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more 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 producing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another possible source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might 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 an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To rectify this particular problem, it's important to examine the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
Your air conditioning system might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from starting. In this case, check the thermostat and change it, if necessary. Additionally, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and fix the unit.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they are supposed to, occasionally they also make strange noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a dirty 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 woes, 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 Stieferman Heating Company Inc
If your air conditioning equipment is having issues, call the professionals at Stieferman Heating Company Inc for quality air conditioning repair in Jefferson City. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and needs repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Jefferson City, the high-quality crew at Stieferman Heating Company Inc can help guide you through the process.