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 type of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique repair. By identifying 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 unit.
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 finding any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or repair. This helps locate potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some of the common AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
Air conditioning 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 is supposed to take away 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 come out of the unit.
Another possible explanation for 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 could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to prevent damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.
What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes 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 restricted airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of chilled 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 too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged 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 air conditioning and allow it to thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a skilled technician.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a sign that your AC needs service. One frequent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a failing fan belt. The noise can 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 more noise. Additionally, 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 air conditioning system not making cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another potential cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your AC. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To fix this particular problem, it's important to examine the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?
Your air conditioning system might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, check 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 stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. Also, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, 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 peculiar noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a clogged air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can make 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.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
If your cooling system is having problems, reach out to the professionals at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Greater Richmond. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a chronic issue and needs constant 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 for repairs. If you need air conditioning installation in Greater Richmond, the first-rate crew at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can help guide you through the process.