Is your AC acting weird? 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 type of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, you can figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.
While the symptoms are often distinct, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioner 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 to be fixed. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of of the typical AC problems and the indications you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
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 extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes slow or stopped up with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to leak.
Another typical reason for 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. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to avoid damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, examining 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 might be because of a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
Another reason your air conditioner is frozen might be low refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged 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 air conditioner so it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including exchanging 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 may be an indication that it needs service. One frequent cause of a loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The noise 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Similarly, a defective 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 producing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another possible cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels can 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 an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To fix 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?
A home cooling system might not start up 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 cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from turning on. In that case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if required. Also, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, 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 operating louder than they should, occasionally they also make weird noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a clogged air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots 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 Fairfield Heating & Cooling
If your air conditioner is having trouble, contact the professionals at Fairfield Heating & Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Lancaster. 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 chronic 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 Lancaster, the high-quality crew at Fairfield Heating & Cooling can help guide you through the process.
