Is your air conditioner acting weird? 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 suffering from. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—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 AC.
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 repair. This helps find potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of the typical AC problems and the signals 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 plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to leak.
Another potential cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to prevent damage to your home and ensure 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 happening.
What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it might be because of a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause a buildup of cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
An additional reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also cause 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. After the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including changing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a skilled technician.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a sign that the unit needs service. One prevalent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a damaged 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Additionally, a defective 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 air conditioning system not blowing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another possible cause 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. Also, 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 examine the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
An air conditioner might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, find 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 starting. If that's the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if required. Also, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and repair 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 peculiar noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another commonly observed 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 make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with many air conditioner woes, 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 Airtech Cooling & Heating
If your cooling system is having issues, reach out to the professionals at Airtech Cooling & Heating for quality air conditioning repair in Sarasota. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a persistent issue and needs constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Sarasota, the top-notch crew at Airtech Cooling & Heating can help guide you through the process.