Is your air conditioning acting weird? Chances are, 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 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, 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 Air conditioning 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 equipment failures or other issues.
Here are some of of the top AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
Air conditioning 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 clogged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another potential reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can enable 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 promptly to avoid damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging 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 may stem from a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of frigid air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
An additional 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 cracked insulation can also result in the buildup of frosty 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. Once the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. 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 may be an indication that it needs service. One common cause of a loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The noise might also be a sign the equipment has 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 obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Additionally, a broken or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioner not making cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another possible 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 AC. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To fix the issue, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
An air conditioner might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from switching on. In that case, check the thermostat and change it, if needed. In addition, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, 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 working louder than they should, sometimes 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. Another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a blocked air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, 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.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC
If your cooling system is having issues, contact the professionals at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC for quality air conditioning repair in Cambridge. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a chronic issue and demands repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Cambridge, the top-notch crew at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC can help guide you through the process.