Is your AC 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 experiencing. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific fix. By knowing 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 very different, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioning 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 breakdowns or other issues.
Here are a few of the common AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Do AC Systems Leak?
A cooling system leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes slow or stopped up with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another possible reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a busted 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 be certain that your air conditioning system is functioning 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 developing in the future.
What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it might stem from a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a plugged 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 insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also cause the buildup of chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down 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 malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including changing 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 may be a signal that the unit needs service. One frequent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Additionally, a defective 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 very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another possible source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may 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 address this particular problem, it's important to check the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
An air conditioner might not turn on 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.
The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from starting. In this case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. Additionally, a faulty 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 service the unit.
Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they ought to, occasionally they also make peculiar noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a dirty air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with many air conditioner problems, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Pepper AC & Heat
If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, reach out to the professionals at Pepper AC & Heat for quality air conditioning repair in Justin. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a chronic issue and requires 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 your home needs air conditioning installation in Justin, the top-notch crew at Pepper AC & Heat can help guide you through the process.
