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 kind of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique remedy. By knowing the specific symptoms, you can figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.
While the symptoms are often very different, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioning 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 to be fixed. This helps uncover 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?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a widespread 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 excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another typical 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. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning 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 happening.
What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?
If your air conditioning is freezing up, it might be due to 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 can cause a buildup of frigid air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really 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 conditioning so it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, check 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 professional.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be a signal that the unit needs service. One prevalent cause of a loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a failing 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Additionally, a damaged or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioning system not making cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another possible reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels can 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 an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To address 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 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.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from switching on. In this case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. Also, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, 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 operating louder than they are supposed to, at times they also make peculiar noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another possible 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 produce hissing or bubbling noises.
As with a lot of air conditioner woes, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling
If your cooling system is having trouble, call the professionals at Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Athol. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled specialists 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 beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If you need air conditioning installation in Athol, the top-notch crew at Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling can help guide you through the process.
