Is your air conditioner acting strange? 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 sort 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 unique repair. By recognizing the specific symptoms, you can narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the air conditioning system.
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 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 locate potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are a few of the typical 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 AC leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to leak.
Another possible cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to prevent damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, taking a look at the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it might be due to a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced 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 reduced refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also result in 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 conditioning and allow it to thaw completely. When 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 an expert.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be an indication that your AC needs service. One prevalent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing fan belt. The noise might also be caused by 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 prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Similarly, a defective or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioning system not making cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another potential reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioner. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To address the issue, it's important to inspect the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
Your air conditioning system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, check the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from starting. If that's the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if needed. Also, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and service the unit.
Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they ought to, occasionally they also make peculiar noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a dirty air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with many air conditioner problems, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Lakeside Heating & Air
If your air conditioner is having issues, call the professionals at Lakeside Heating & Air for quality air conditioning repair in Chelan and Wenatchee. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a continual issue and needs repeated 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 Chelan and Wenatchee, the top-notch crew at Lakeside Heating & Air can help guide you through the process.
