Is your air conditioning acting strange? If so, it's good to pay attention because it’s trying to tell you something.
The signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct repair. By recognizing the specific symptoms, it's possible to identify 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 routine 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 service. This helps find potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of of the typical AC problems and the indications you may see:
Why Do AC Systems Leak?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing 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 explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner right away to avoid damage to your home and be certain 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.
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 plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
An additional 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 switch off the air conditioning and allow it to thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including changing 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 sign that your AC needs service. One frequent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a worn-out 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Similarly, a damaged or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner 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 very cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another plausible cause 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 conditioning. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To address the issue, it's important to examine the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
An air conditioner might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from starting. If that's the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. Additionally, a faulty 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 repair the unit.
Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they are supposed to, at times 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 cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a clogged air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner problems, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Covington Air Systems
If your air conditioner is having issues, reach out to the professionals at Covington Air Systems for quality air conditioning repair in Covington. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a persistent issue and demands frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Covington, the first-rate crew at Covington Air Systems can help guide you through the process.