Is your AC 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 type 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 unique repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able 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 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 locate potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are a few of the typical AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Do AC Systems 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 responsible for removing excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another potential cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner right away to reduce the amount of damage to your home and ensure 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 happening.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioning is freezing up, it could be because of a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of frigid air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
Another reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also lead to the buildup of frosty 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, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by an expert.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be an indication that the unit needs service. One prevalent cause of a loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket could also be caused by 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 block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Additionally, a damaged 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 AC not making cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another possible cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to a lack of cool air coming from your AC. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To rectify this particular problem, it's important to check the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
An air conditioner might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from starting. In that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if needed. Also, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they ought to, occasionally they also make peculiar noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a blocked air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.
As with a lot of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Contact Your Local AC Experts at H&C Heating and Cooling
If your air conditioner is having trouble, call the professionals at H&C Heating and Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Laurel. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a continual issue and needs repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Laurel, the high-quality crew at H&C Heating and Cooling can help guide you through the process.