Is your AC acting weird? There's a good chance 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 peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct repair. By knowing the specific symptoms, it's possible to figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.
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 looking for any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or service. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some of of the top AC problems and the signs 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 responsible for removing excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another potential cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to prevent damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, checking 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 AC is freezing up, it could stem from a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a plugged 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 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 cold air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down the system and allow it to thaw completely. After the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including changing 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 an indication that your AC needs service. One frequent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. In addition, a defective or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My AC System 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 too cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another possible cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may 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 address this, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
A home cooling system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, look at 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 starting. In this case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. Also, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and fix the unit.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?
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 make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a clogged air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.
As with many air conditioner problems, 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 conditioning equipment is having problems, 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 problem, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and demands constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If you could use air conditioning installation in Lincoln, the first-rate crew at AW Heating & Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.
