Is your AC acting weird? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique remedy. By identifying 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 unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular 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 repair. This helps find potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some of the common AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a clogged 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, dust or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another potential cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, 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 quickly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from happening.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it might 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 sometimes causes a buildup of chilled 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 very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged 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 turn off the air conditioner so that it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, check 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 professional.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be a sign that your AC needs service. One prevalent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing 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 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 air conditioning system not producing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another possible source of this issue 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 AC. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To fix the issue, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange 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, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from starting. In this case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if required. In addition, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and repair the unit.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they should, at times 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 dilemmas can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a dirty air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.
As with a lot of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.
If your cooling system is having trouble, call the professionals at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. for quality air conditioning repair in Shamokin and Sunbury. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a chronic issue and requires repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Shamokin and Sunbury, the first-rate crew at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. can help guide you through the process.