Is your air conditioner acting weird? If so, it's good to pay attention because it’s trying to tell you something.
The warning 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 unique repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, you can narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the air conditioning system.
While the symptoms are often very different, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioning 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 repair. This helps find potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are a few of the common AC problems and the indications you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to leak.
Another possible reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner right away to avoid damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.
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 limited airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause a buildup of chilled 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 very 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 turn off the air conditioning and allow it to thaw completely. When the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a skilled technician.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be an indication that your AC needs service. One common cause of a loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a failing 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 obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Similarly, a broken or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an AC not making cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another plausible cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your AC. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To rectify the issue, it's important to inspect the air filter and replace 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 correct this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In that case, check the thermostat and change it, if required. Also, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can keep 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, at times they also make strange noises.
One typical 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 potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a clogged air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can cause 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.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Vogts Heating & Air
If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, call the professionals at Vogts Heating & Air for quality air conditioning repair in Pocatello. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a chronic issue and requires constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you need air conditioning installation in Pocatello, the first-rate crew at Vogts Heating & Air can help guide you through the process.