Is your air conditioning acting strange? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.
The warning signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the kind 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 distinct remedy. By knowing 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 air conditioning system.
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 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 to be fixed. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are some of of the top 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 AC leak is a plugged 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, dust 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 enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a broken 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 be certain that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it could stem from a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be low 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 system so that it can thaw completely. Once 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 a professional.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a signal that the unit needs service. One frequent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The racket might 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 Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow Cold Air?
One common cause of an AC not making 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 a lack of cool air. Another plausible 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. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To address the issue, it's important to check 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 switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, check the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In that case, check the thermostat and change it, if required. In addition, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can keep 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 running louder than they ought to, sometimes they also make peculiar noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a blocked air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.
As with a lot of air conditioner problems, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Contact Your Local AC Experts at Appalachian Heating
If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, reach out to the professionals at Appalachian Heating for quality air conditioning repair in Beckley. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and demands constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Beckley, the first-rate crew at Appalachian Heating can help guide you through the process.