Is your air conditioning acting strange? If so, it's good to pay attention because it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the kind of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct remedy. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able 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 annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioning maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as looking for any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or to be fixed. This helps find potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of of the top AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
A cooling system leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to leak.
Another typical explanation 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. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to avoid damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Regular 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 happening.
What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes 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 reduced airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause a buildup of frigid air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
An additional reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged insulation can also result in the buildup of chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to switch off the system and allow it to thaw completely. After the system has thawed, assess 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 an expert.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a sign that your AC needs service. One prevalent cause of a loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket can 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Additionally, 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 conditioning system not blowing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another plausible cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioner. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To fix this particular problem, it's important to check the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?
An air conditioner might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, find 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 stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and replace it, if needed. Also, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and repair 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, sometimes they also make strange noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, 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.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning
If your cooling system is having trouble, reach out to the professionals at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair in Central Point. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a continual issue and needs repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Central Point, the high-quality crew at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.