Is your air conditioner acting unusual? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms 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 problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific remedy. By recognizing the specific symptoms, it's possible to narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.
While the symptoms are often unique, 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 looking for any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or to be fixed. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are a few of the common AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing unwanted 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 leak.
Another possible cause of 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. Also, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner right away to prevent damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, examining 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 air conditioner is freezing up, it could stem from 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 leads to a buildup of chilled 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 very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged 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 power down the air conditioner and allow it to thaw completely. After the system has thawed, examine 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 Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be an indication that your AC 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 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 hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Similarly, a broken or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioner not producing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another potential cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, which can result in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioning. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To rectify this, it's important to examine the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning 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.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from switching on. In that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if needed. In addition, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get a hold of 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 operating louder than they ought to, occasionally they also make strange noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a dirty air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.
As with a lot of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Select Comfort Systems
If your air conditioning equipment is having issues, reach out to the professionals at Select Comfort Systems for quality air conditioning repair in West Valley City. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and requires frequent 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 you could use air conditioning installation in West Valley City, the first-rate crew at Select Comfort Systems can help guide you through the process.
