Is your AC acting unusual? 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 kind of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct repair. By recognizing the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.
While the symptoms are often unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioning 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 find potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of of the common AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove excess 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 potential cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is functioning 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 happening.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioning is freezing up, it may be because of a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced 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.
An additional reason your air conditioner is frozen might be reduced refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked 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 switch off the system so it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including changing 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 could be a signal that it needs service. One frequent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket 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. Similarly, a broken or old compressor can also cause 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 clogged 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 source of this issue 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 conditioning. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To rectify the issue, it's important to inspect the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
Your air conditioning system might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, check the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from starting. In that case, check the thermostat and change it, if required. Additionally, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to get a hold of 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 ought to, occasionally they also make strange noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, 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 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 Lakeside Heating & Air
If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, contact the professionals at Lakeside Heating & Air for quality air conditioning repair in Chelan and Wenatchee. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and requires constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial 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.