Is your AC acting strange? Chances are, 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 suffering from. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific fix. By knowing the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to identify 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 routine 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 uncover potential problems before they cause malfunctions 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 blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to leak.
Another possible reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, 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 right away to reduce the amount of damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Regular 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 occurring.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your air conditioning is freezing up, it may stem from a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of frigid air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
Another reason your air conditioner is frozen might be low refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged insulation can also result in the buildup of frosty 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, 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 an expert.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be a sign that the unit needs service. One prevalent cause of a loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a worn-out 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. In addition, 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 conditioning system not blowing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another potential reason for this problem 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. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To rectify the issue, it's important to inspect the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
Your air conditioning system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, check the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from switching on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if needed. In addition, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, 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 running louder than they should, sometimes they also make strange noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, 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 many air conditioner problems, the root cause of uncommon noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Contact Your Local AC Experts at Anderson Heating & A/C
If your air conditioning equipment is having issues, contact the professionals at Anderson Heating & A/C for quality air conditioning repair in Carson City. Whether it’s a peculiar 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 needs constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Carson City, the high-quality crew at Anderson Heating & A/C can help guide you through the process.