Is your air conditioner acting strange? If so, it's good to pay attention because it’s trying to tell you something.
The signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct repair. By recognizing the specific symptoms, you can narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.
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 finding any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or to be fixed. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some of of the typical AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Do AC Systems Leak?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a common 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 extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes slow or stopped up with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another possible 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 could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to avoid damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, taking a look at the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it could be due to a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes 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 damaged insulation can also result in 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 so it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, assess 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 an expert.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be a sign that it needs service. One frequent cause of a loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness might also be the result of 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 prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more 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 air conditioning system not producing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another plausible source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might 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 rectify this particular problem, it's important to examine the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
A home cooling 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 replace any blown fuses.
The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. In addition, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and fix the unit.
Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they ought to, 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 issues can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a blocked 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 predicaments, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Tri County Climate Control LLC
If your air conditioner is having issues, call the professionals at Tri County Climate Control LLC for quality air conditioning repair in Bend. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another problem, 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 cost-effective in the long run to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Bend, the first-rate crew at Tri County Climate Control LLC can help guide you through the process.