Is your air conditioner acting strange? There's a good chance 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 experiencing. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific remedy. By knowing 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 distinct, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling routine 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 to be fixed. This helps find potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some of of the typical AC problems and the signs 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 AC leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another potential explanation for 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 might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to prevent damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging 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 might be because of a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
Another reason your air conditioner is frozen might be low refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really 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 power down the air conditioning so it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including changing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by an expert.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be a sign that the unit needs service. One prevalent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The racket might 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 block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Additionally, a damaged 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 AC not blowing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another plausible cause 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 air conditioner. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To address the issue, it's important to inspect the air filter and change 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, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from switching on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and change it, if needed. Also, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get in touch with 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 are supposed to, occasionally they also make strange noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a clogged air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner woes, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Dave's Diversified Services
If your air conditioner is having issues, contact the professionals at Dave's Diversified Services for quality air conditioning repair in Front Royal. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a persistent issue and requires repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Front Royal, the high-quality crew at Dave's Diversified Services can help guide you through the process.