Is your air conditioner 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 sort of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique repair. By recognizing the specific symptoms, you can narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.
While the symptoms are often distinct, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioner 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 repair. This helps locate potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some of of the common AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
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 is supposed to take away unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another typical cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner right away to avoid damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from happening.
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 blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause a buildup of frigid air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be reduced refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become too 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 so that it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. 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 could be a signal that the unit needs service. One frequent cause of a loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The loudness 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 block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased 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 conditioning system not making cold air is a blocked 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 potential reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, which can result in a lack of cool air coming from your AC. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To fix this, it's important to inspect the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
A home cooling system might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, find 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 starting. If that's the case, check the thermostat and change it, if needed. Additionally, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to get a hold of 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 should, at times they also make weird noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a dirty 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 lots of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at PS Cool Heat
If your cooling system is having problems, call the professionals at PS Cool Heat for quality air conditioning repair in Highlands Ranch. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and requires repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If you need air conditioning installation in Highlands Ranch, the first-rate crew at PS Cool Heat can help guide you through the process.
