Is your air conditioning acting strange? If so, it's good to pay attention because it’s trying to tell you something.
The warning signs 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, you can figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.
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 looking for any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or service. This helps find potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are a few of the typical AC problems and the indications you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a clogged 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, dust or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another typical 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 broken pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner right away to reduce the amount of damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, taking a look at the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it may be because of a variety of reasons. One frequent 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 insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also lead to the buildup of chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to turn off the system and allow it to thaw completely. When the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including exchanging the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a professional.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be an indication that the unit needs service. One common cause of a very loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The loudness 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Similarly, a damaged 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 conditioner not producing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another potential cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to a lack of cool air coming from your AC. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To rectify this particular problem, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
A home cooling system might not turn 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.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from switching on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and replace it, if required. Additionally, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent 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 working louder than they ought to, sometimes they also make peculiar noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, 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 a lot of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc
If your air conditioning equipment is having issues, reach out to the professionals at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc for quality air conditioning repair in Phoenix. 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 continual issue and needs constant 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 Phoenix, the top-notch crew at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc can help guide you through the process.