Is your air conditioner acting weird? If so, it's good to pay attention because 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 experiencing. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct remedy. By knowing the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.
While the symptoms are often distinct, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine AC maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as looking for any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or repair. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some of of the top 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 AC 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 plugged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another typical reason 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. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to prevent damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, taking a look at 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 could be due to a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of cold 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 really 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 switch off the system so that it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, examine 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.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a signal that the unit needs service. One prevalent cause of a loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The racket might 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 greater noise. In addition, a damaged or old compressor can also produce 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 blocked air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very 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. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To fix this, it's important to inspect the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
A home cooling system might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from switching on. In this case, check the thermostat and change it, if necessary. Also, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, 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 running louder than they ought to, sometimes they also make peculiar noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a dirty 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 problems, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at B&D Air Conditioning
If your air conditioner is having trouble, reach out to the professionals at B&D Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair in Safford. Whether it’s a bizarre 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 advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If you need air conditioning installation in Safford, the first-rate crew at B&D Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.