Is your air conditioner acting weird? Chances are, 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 weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique remedy. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's possible to narrow down 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 annual 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 service. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of of the typical AC problems and the indications you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away 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 typical explanation for 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 broken pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner right away to reduce the amount of damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Routine 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 developing in the future.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioning is freezing up, it might be due to a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
An additional reason your air conditioner is frozen might be low refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also lead to the buildup of cold air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down the air conditioner so it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including exchanging 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 loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The noise 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 prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. In addition, a defective 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 producing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another possible cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your AC. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To fix this, it's important to examine the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
An air conditioner might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from starting. If that's the case, check the thermostat and replace it, if needed. Also, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get in touch with 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 running louder than they ought to, occasionally they also make peculiar noises.
One frequently encountered 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. Another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a clogged air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can produce 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.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Clean Air HVAC
If your cooling system is having trouble, contact the professionals at Clean Air HVAC for quality air conditioning repair in Pacheco. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a continual issue and demands constant 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 Pacheco, the top-notch crew at Clean Air HVAC can help guide you through the process.
