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 weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific 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 unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling routine 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 to be fixed. This helps locate potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are a few of the typical AC problems and the indications you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another possible cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a busted 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 ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioning is freezing up, it may be because of a variety of reasons. One common 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 chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
One more 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 result in the buildup of cold air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to switch off the air conditioning and allow it to thaw completely. After the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. 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 an indication that your AC needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Similarly, a damaged or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow Cold Air?
One common cause of an AC not making cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely 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, leading to a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioning. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To fix the issue, it's important to check the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
An air conditioner might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, check the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from starting. If that's the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if needed. Also, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, 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 working louder than they ought to, occasionally they also make weird noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a clogged air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner problems, the root cause of uncommon noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Lakeside Heating & Air
If your air conditioner is having issues, reach out to the professionals at Lakeside Heating & Air for quality air conditioning repair in Chelan and Wenatchee. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a persistent issue and requires constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If you could use air conditioning installation in Chelan and Wenatchee, the first-rate crew at Lakeside Heating & Air can help guide you through the process.
