Is your air conditioner acting weird? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.
The 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 breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific remedy. 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 unit.
While the symptoms are often very different, 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 locating any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or service. This helps locate potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are a few of the common AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Do AC Systems Leak?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to leak.
Another possible cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is operating 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 occurring.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it may 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 sometimes causes a buildup of frigid 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 cracked insulation can also cause the buildup of frosty air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down the air conditioner so that it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, assess 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 a skilled technician.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be a sign that it needs service. One prevalent cause of a loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Additionally, a broken or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioning system not producing cold air is a blocked 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 possible cause 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 AC. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To fix this, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange 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 repair this, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from switching on. In that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if needed. Additionally, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they ought to, at times they also make strange noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a dirty air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can produce 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.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at AW Heating & Air Conditioning
If your air conditioner is having issues, reach out to the professionals at AW Heating & Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair in Lincoln. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled specialists 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 cost-effective in the long run to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Lincoln, the top-notch crew at AW Heating & Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.
