Is your air conditioning acting strange? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the kind of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific fix. By knowing the specific symptoms, you can identify the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.
While the symptoms are often unique, 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 repair. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are a few of the top AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another possible reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump can 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 ensure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, examining 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 may 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 insufficient 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 chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to switch off the air conditioner and allow it to thaw completely. When the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including changing 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 could be a signal that your AC needs service. One prevalent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing fan belt. The loudness can 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Similarly, a broken or old compressor can also cause 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 blocked air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another plausible cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your AC. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To address this particular problem, it's important to check the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
An air conditioner might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair 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 starting. In that case, check the thermostat and change it, if necessary. In addition, 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.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they are supposed to, occasionally they also make weird noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a blocked air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with a lot 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 Comfort Zone, LLC
If your cooling system is having trouble, reach out to the professionals at Comfort Zone, LLC for quality air conditioning repair in Cape Coral. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a persistent issue and requires constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Cape Coral, the top-notch crew at Comfort Zone, LLC can help guide you through the process.