Is your AC acting strange? 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 sort 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 recognizing 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 AC.
While the symptoms are often very different, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual 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 locate potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are a few of the common AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a widespread 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 unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another possible 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 might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it might be due to a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of cold 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 really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also lead to 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 system and allow it to thaw completely. After 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 a professional.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a signal that it needs service. One frequent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket 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 obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. In addition, a defective or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioner not making cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another plausible reason for this problem 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 conditioning. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To rectify this particular problem, it's important to examine the air filter and change 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, 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 turning on. In this case, check the thermostat and change it, if needed. Also, a faulty 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 repair 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 peculiar noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another possible 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 lots of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of uncommon noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Contact Your Local AC Experts at Connolly Electric & Mechanical
If your cooling system is having problems, reach out to the professionals at Connolly Electric & Mechanical for quality air conditioning repair in Cottonwood & Prescott. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled specialists 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 for repairs. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Cottonwood & Prescott, the top-notch crew at Connolly Electric & Mechanical can help guide you through the process.
