Is your air conditioning acting weird? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.
The warning signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able 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 regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioner 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 uncover potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are some of the typical AC problems and the indications you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
An air conditioner 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 excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another typical reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfunctioning or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner right away to prevent damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is running 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.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it may be one of a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or even 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 too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also cause 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 in order for 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 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 might be a sign that the unit needs service. One prevalent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket can 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Similarly, 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 conditioner not producing 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 potential cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioning. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To address 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?
Your air conditioning system might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.. To repair this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from starting. If that's the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if needed. Additionally, a malfunctioning 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.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they should, occasionally they also make weird noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a clogged air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with many air conditioner problems, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling
If your air conditioner is having problems, call the professionals at Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Columbus. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a continual issue and needs constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If you need air conditioning installation in Columbus, the first-rate crew at Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling can help guide you through the process.