Is your AC acting strange? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.
The signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique repair. 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 distinct, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine AC maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as finding any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or to be fixed. This helps locate 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?
An air conditioner 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 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 come out of the unit.
Another potential cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump might 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 make sure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it might stem from a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted 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.
Another reason your air conditioner is frozen might be reduced refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked 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 system so it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, check 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.
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 damaged 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. In addition, a damaged or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioning system not making cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another possible source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in 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 this particular problem, it's important to check the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
Your air conditioning system might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. Additionally, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and fix the unit.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they ought to, occasionally they also make peculiar noises.
One frequently encountered 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. Yet another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a dirty air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.
As with many air conditioner woes, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at J.L. Brady Company LLC
If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, call the professionals at J.L. Brady Company LLC for quality air conditioning repair in Moline. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a persistent issue and demands repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Moline, the first-rate crew at J.L. Brady Company LLC can help guide you through the process.
