Is your AC acting strange? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.
The warning signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific fix. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's possible to identify 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 regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine AC 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 to be fixed. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some 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 widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another potential explanation for 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. Additionally, 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 running efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it may be because of a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of frigid 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 result in the buildup of chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down the system and allow it to thaw completely. When the system has thawed, examine 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 Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be an indication that your AC needs service. One common cause of a very loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The noise might also be caused by loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings, which can cause vibrations and rattling sounds.
A noisy air conditioner also might have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Additionally, a broken or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioner not blowing 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 possible source of this issue 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 AC. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To address this, it's important to examine the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
Your air conditioning system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, check the thermostat and replace it, if needed. Additionally, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get in touch with 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 operating louder than they are supposed to, sometimes they also make weird noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a dirty air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with many 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 Scott Temperature
If your air conditioner is having trouble, reach out to the professionals at Scott Temperature for quality air conditioning repair in Lawrence. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a chronic issue and demands frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Lawrence, the high-quality crew at Scott Temperature can help guide you through the process.