Is your air conditioner acting strange? 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 afflicted with. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique 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 air conditioning system.
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 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 malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of the common AC problems and the indications you may see:
Why Do AC Systems Leak?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to leak.
Another typical explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to avoid damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from happening.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it may be due to a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to 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 too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also lead to 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 air conditioner so that it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including exchanging 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 may be a sign that the unit needs service. One common cause of a very loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness might 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 block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. In addition, a defective or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow Cold Air?
One common cause of an AC not blowing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another potential source of this issue 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 air conditioning. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To fix this particular problem, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?
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 replace any blown fuses.
The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from starting. In that case, check the thermostat and change it, if needed. Additionally, a faulty 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 repair the unit.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they should, at times they also make peculiar noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other possible 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 produce hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of 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 Paniccia Heating & Cooling
If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, call the professionals at Paniccia Heating & Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Michigan City. Whether it’s a peculiar 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 requires frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If you need air conditioning installation in Michigan City, the high-quality crew at Paniccia Heating & Cooling can help guide you through the process.