Is your AC acting strange? Chances are, 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 identify 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 annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine AC maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as locating any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or to be fixed. This helps find potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of the typical AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
A cooling system 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 is supposed to take away extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another possible 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 malfunctioning pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial 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. Routine 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.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it might be due to 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 sometimes causes a buildup of cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
Another 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 cracked insulation can also cause the buildup of cold air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down the system and allow it to thaw completely. After 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 an expert.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a sign that your AC needs service. One prevalent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The racket could 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 greater noise. In addition, a damaged 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 conditioning system not blowing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another plausible reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may 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. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To fix this, it's important to inspect the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
A home cooling system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from starting. In this case, check the thermostat and change it, if required. Additionally, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to contact 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 running louder than they are supposed to, at times they also make strange noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a clogged 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 strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Smyth Air Conditioning
If your air conditioner is having problems, contact the professionals at Smyth Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair in Lake Worth. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and needs 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 Lake Worth, the first-rate crew at Smyth Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.