Is your air conditioning 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 kind of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct fix. By recognizing the specific symptoms, it's possible to figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the air conditioning system.
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 locating any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or to be fixed. This helps find potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are some of of the common AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
A cooling system leaking water can be a widespread 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 unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another potential cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to prevent damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, checking 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 AC is freezing up, it may be due to a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
Another 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 result in 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 conditioning so that it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, assess 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 a skilled technician.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be an indication that the unit needs service. One common cause of a loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. In addition, a damaged or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an AC not producing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another plausible source of this issue 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 a lack of cool air. To address this particular problem, it's important to inspect the air filter and change 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 repair 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 switching on. In that case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. Additionally, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and fix the unit.
Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they are supposed to, sometimes they also make weird noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a clogged air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner problems, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Contact Your Local AC Experts at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia
If your cooling system is having problems, contact the professionals at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia for quality air conditioning repair in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a persistent 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 for repairs. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia, the high-quality crew at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia can help guide you through the process.