Is your air conditioner acting weird? 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 experiencing. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific repair. By knowing the specific symptoms, it's possible to 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 service. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of of the common AC problems and the indications you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a blocked 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 escape.
Another possible cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important 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. Professional 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 developing in the future.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioning is freezing up, it could be due to a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted 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 reduced refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also result in the buildup of chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to turn off the system and allow it to thaw completely. When the system has thawed, assess 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 a professional.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be a signal that your AC needs service. One frequent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a failing fan belt. The loudness 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 block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Additionally, a broken 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 making cold air is a very dirty 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 potential 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 AC. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To rectify the issue, it's important to check the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
A home cooling system might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, look at 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 prevent the air conditioner from switching on. In that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if required. Also, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and fix the unit.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they should, sometimes they also make weird noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a blocked air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner woes, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists
If your air conditioner is having issues, call the professionals at Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists for quality air conditioning repair in Palm Coast. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a continual issue and requires 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 pay for service calls. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Palm Coast, the top-notch crew at Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists can help guide you through the process.