Is your air conditioner acting weird? 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 type of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific fix. By identifying the specific symptoms, you can identify the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.
While the symptoms are often distinct, 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 repair. This helps locate potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are some of of the common AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing unwanted 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 escape.
Another typical cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can allow 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 necessary to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to prevent damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, taking a look at 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 conditioner is freezing up, it might stem from a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be reduced refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also cause the buildup of chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down the system so that it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, examine 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 skilled technician.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be a sign that your AC needs service. One common cause of a loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness can 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 obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Similarly, a damaged or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioner not blowing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another potential reason for this problem 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 AC. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To address this, it's important to check the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
Your air conditioning system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In that case, check the thermostat and change it, if needed. Additionally, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, 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 operating louder than they ought to, occasionally they also make strange noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a blocked air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner problems, 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 cooling system is having trouble, contact the professionals at B & G HVAC for quality air conditioning repair in Marshalltown. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and requires repeated 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 you need air conditioning installation in Marshalltown, the top-notch crew at B & G HVAC can help guide you through the process.
