Is your AC acting strange? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique repair. By knowing the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able 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 unique, 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 locating any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or to be fixed. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of of the common AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a frequent 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 excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another potential reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner right away to reduce the amount of damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, checking 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 conditioning is freezing up, it might stem from 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 sometimes causes a buildup of cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be low 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 frosty air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to turn off the system so that it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, assess 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 a professional.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be a signal that the unit needs service. One common cause of a loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a failing fan belt. The noise could 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Additionally, a defective 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 limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in not enough 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. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To rectify this, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
An air conditioner might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from switching on. In this case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. Also, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and fix the unit.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they are supposed to, occasionally they also make strange noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a clogged air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Contact Your Local AC Experts at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning
If your cooling system is having problems, call the professionals at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair in Bishop. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a chronic issue and requires frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Bishop, the top-notch crew at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.