Is your air conditioning acting strange? If so, it's good to pay attention because it’s trying to tell you something.
The warning signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, you can 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 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 service. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are some of the common AC problems and the indications 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 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, particles or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another typical cause of 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 broken pump might 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 make sure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, taking a look at the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioning is freezing up, it could stem from a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause a buildup of chilled 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 compromised insulation can also lead to the buildup of frosty air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to turn off the air conditioning and allow it to thaw completely. After the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including exchanging 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 frequent cause of a loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing fan belt. The noise can 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 hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. In addition, a defective or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow Cold Air?
One common cause of an AC not blowing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another possible source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels can 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 check the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
An air conditioner might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, check the thermostat and replace it, if needed. Also, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and fix the unit.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they should, sometimes 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 dilemmas can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a dirty 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 problems, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at North Mechanical Heating and Cooling
If your cooling system is having problems, contact the professionals at North Mechanical Heating and Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Payson. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a persistent issue and demands frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Payson, the top-notch crew at North Mechanical Heating and Cooling can help guide you through the process.