Is your air conditioning acting unusual? 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 experiencing. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to narrow down 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 regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine AC 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 to be fixed. This helps find potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of the typical AC problems and the signals 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 plugged 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, particles or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another typical reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can permit 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 crucial to address a leaking air conditioner right away to avoid damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it could stem from a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of frigid 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 really 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 switch off the system so that it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, examine 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 an expert.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a sign that your AC needs service. One prevalent cause of a loud air conditioner is a damaged 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. In addition, a broken 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 AC not blowing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another potential source of this issue 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 AC. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To fix this particular problem, it's important to inspect the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
A home cooling system might not switch 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.
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. Additionally, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get in touch with 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 should, at times they also make weird noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a clogged air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with a lot 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 Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC
If your air conditioner is having trouble, call the professionals at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC for quality air conditioning repair in Ellsworth. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a continual issue and requires constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you need air conditioning installation in Ellsworth, the high-quality crew at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC can help guide you through the process.
