Is your air conditioner acting weird? If so, it's good to pay attention because it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct fix. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to identify 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 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 repair. This helps locate potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some of of the top AC problems and the indications you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
A cooling system leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing extra 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 explanation for 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 could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner right away to prevent damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from happening.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it may stem from a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a clogged 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 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 chilled 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. 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.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be a signal that the unit needs service. One common cause of a very loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness could also be a sign the equipment has 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 block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Additionally, a defective or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioner not producing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another plausible reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your AC. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To fix this, 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 switch on 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 source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from starting. If that's the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if required. Additionally, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, 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 working louder than they are supposed to, at times they also make strange noises.
One common 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 commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a clogged air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, 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.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at H&C Heating and Cooling
If your cooling system is having issues, call the professionals at H&C Heating and Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Laurel. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and needs repeated 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 Laurel, the first-rate crew at H&C Heating and Cooling can help guide you through the process.