Is your air conditioner acting weird? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms 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 fix. By recognizing the specific symptoms, you can 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 routine 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 to be fixed. This helps find potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some of of the common AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, particles 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. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump might 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 make sure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, taking a look at the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it may be because of a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of frigid 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 too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also cause 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 that it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, assess 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 professional.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be an indication that your AC needs service. One frequent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing fan belt. The noise could also be caused by 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 greater noise. Additionally, a broken or old compressor can also produce 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 clogged air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another plausible reason for this problem 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. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To fix the issue, 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 switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from turning on. In that 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. If that's the situation, it's best to get a hold of 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 operating louder than they should, at times they also make strange noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a dirty air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.
As with many air conditioner woes, the root cause of uncommon noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning
If your air conditioner is having trouble, call the professionals at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair in Lake Forest. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a continual issue and requires frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you need air conditioning installation in Lake Forest, the first-rate crew at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.