Is your air conditioner acting unusual? 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 suffering from. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique fix. By identifying 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 unit.
While the symptoms are often unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioner 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 uncover potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are some of the typical AC problems and the indications you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
A cooling system leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to leak.
Another typical cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to avoid damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, checking 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 air conditioner is freezing up, it may be because of a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause a buildup of cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
One more 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 result in the buildup of frosty air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to turn off the air conditioner so 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 replacing 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 might be a signal that it needs service. One common cause of a very loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a failing fan belt. The loudness can also be caused by 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 greater noise. In addition, a defective or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioning system not producing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another potential reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, which can result in a lack of cool air coming from your AC. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To rectify this particular problem, it's important to check the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
Your air conditioning system might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, check the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. In addition, a malfunctioning 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 repair the unit.
Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they should, sometimes they also make peculiar noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a clogged air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner problems, 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 Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc
If your air conditioning equipment is having issues, reach out to the professionals at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc for quality air conditioning repair in Wisconsin Rapids. 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 chronic 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 repair bills. If you could use air conditioning installation in Wisconsin Rapids, the high-quality crew at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc can help guide you through the process.