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 type of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct fix. 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 unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine AC maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as finding any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or repair. This helps uncover 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 air conditioner leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged 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 malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner right away to prevent damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it may be because of a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause 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 too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also cause the buildup of cold air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down the system and allow it to thaw completely. When the system has thawed, check 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 a professional.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a signal that the unit needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Additionally, a broken 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 can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another possible cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, which can result 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 fix this, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange 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, check the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from switching on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if needed. In addition, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and repair the unit.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they ought to, occasionally they also make strange noises.
One frequently encountered 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 possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a dirty air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner woes, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning
If your air conditioner is having problems, call the professionals at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair in Northglenn. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and needs repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you need air conditioning installation in Northglenn, the high-quality crew at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.