Is your air conditioning acting strange? If so, it's good to pay attention because it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific remedy. By identifying 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 unit.
While the symptoms are often very different, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioning 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 a few of the common AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
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 responsible for removing extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another potential reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump can 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 be certain that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including changing 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 AC is freezing up, it could stem from a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of frigid 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 very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also lead to the buildup of cold 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. When the system has thawed, assess 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 an expert.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be an indication that your AC needs service. One frequent cause of a loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness might also be caused by 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 greater noise. In addition, a defective or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioning system not blowing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another potential cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioner. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To rectify this, it's important to examine the air filter and exchange 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 repair this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
The cause 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 needed. Additionally, a problematic 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 service the unit.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they ought to, sometimes they also make weird noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other potential 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 lots of air conditioner woes, the root cause of uncommon noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at B & G HVAC
If your air conditioning equipment is having trouble, call the professionals at B & G HVAC for quality air conditioning repair in Marshalltown. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a chronic issue and needs 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 Marshalltown, the first-rate crew at B & G HVAC can help guide you through the process.
