Is your AC acting unusual? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.
The signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is experiencing. 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 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 unique, 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 some of of the common AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
A cooling system 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 designed to remove excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to leak.
Another typical cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning 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 make sure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from happening.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it could be because of a variety of reasons. One common 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 cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
Another 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 power down the air conditioning so it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by an expert.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be a signal that the unit needs service. One prevalent cause of a loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing fan belt. The loudness could also be the result of 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. Similarly, a broken or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioning system not making cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another potential reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to 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 examine the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?
A home cooling system might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair 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 switching on. In this case, check the thermostat and change it, if required. Additionally, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and fix the unit.
Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they are supposed to, at times they also make peculiar noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a blocked air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Air Masters Heating & Cooling
If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, reach out to the professionals at Air Masters Heating & Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Port Orchard. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a continual issue and needs 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 Port Orchard, the top-notch crew at Air Masters Heating & Cooling can help guide you through the process.