Is your air conditioner acting unusual? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.
The warning signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the kind 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 distinct fix. 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 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 locating any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or repair. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of the common AC problems and the indications you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
A cooling system leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove excess 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 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. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from happening.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioning is freezing up, it may stem from a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged insulation can also lead to the buildup of chilled 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 replacing 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 signal that it needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The racket 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 block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. In addition, a damaged 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 conditioner not producing cold air is a very dirty 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 potential reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, which can result in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioning. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To address this particular problem, it's important to check the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
An air conditioner might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from turning on. In that case, check the thermostat and change it, if needed. In addition, a faulty 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 Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they ought to, sometimes they also make weird noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another potential 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 cause hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of uncommon noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning
If your air conditioning equipment is having issues, contact the professionals at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair in Northglenn. 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 requires frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Northglenn, the high-quality crew at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.